The Federal High Court Lideta Criminal Division officially inaugurated its Registrar One Window Service on Tuesday. The initiative, hailed as a significant step towards modernising judicial services, was launched in a ceremony attended by key figures in the Ethiopian legal system.
The inauguration was led by Federal Supreme Court President Tewodros Mihret and Federal High Court President Lelise Dessalegn.
On the occasion, President Lelise formally welcomed guests and outlined the Federal High Court's achievements in the past budget year.
In the meantime, Supreme Court President Tewodros, in his opening address, emphasised the collective responsibility to improve court services through modernisation and enhanced convenience for clients and the broader court community.
"It is our shared duty to ensure our courts are not only dispensers of justice but also models of efficiency and accessibility. This One Window Service represents a commitment to streamlining processes and providing a more user-friendly experience for all,” President Tewodros stated during the ceremony.
President Lelise's report detailed the court's progress in several key areas during the 2017 Ethiopian budget year. These included implementing technology-enabled judicial services, promoting open hearings, improving the quality of judgments, enhancing accessibility for the public, and undertaking necessary building renovations.
She particularly highlighted the role of technological advancements in modernising the court's operations.
Ahmed Issa, Director of the Information Communication Directorate of the Federal High Court, further elaborated on the transformative potential of technology in judicial service delivery.
In a presentation, Ahmed underscored how digital solutions could accelerate processes, reduce paperwork, and improve communication between the court and its users.
A significant development during the ceremony was the signing of a bilateral agreement between the Federal High Court and the Federal Documents Authentication and Registration Service. This agreement aims to foster information exchange and cooperation between the two institutions, further streamlining administrative processes related to legal documentation.
President Lelise and Hamid Keniso, Director General of the Federal Documents Authentication and Registration Service, signed the agreement on behalf of their respective institutions. The partnership is expected to reduce bureaucratic hurdles and ensure greater efficiency in the authentication and registration of crucial legal documents.
It was noted that the event concluded with a presentation of certificates of appreciation.
President Lelise recognised individuals who played a crucial role in implementing the Registrar’s One Window Service within the Lideta Criminal Court Division. A special certificate was also presented to Teklit Meysel, the former Vice President of the Federal High Court, honouring his many years of service as a judge and leader within the judicial system.
The Registrar One Window Service is designed to consolidate multiple services into a single point of contact, significantly reducing wait times and simplifying procedures for individuals interacting with the court.
Officials believe the initiative will not only improve the efficiency of the court but also enhance public trust and confidence in the justice system.
The Federal Supreme Court, through its Directorate of Communication and Strategic Partnerships, underscored the importance of continuous improvement and innovation in delivering justice to the Ethiopian people.
The launch of the Registrar One Window Service represents a concrete step towards achieving that goal.
The court aims to expand the one window services to the remaining courts found under its hierarchy, according to the report.