About CCO

supporting the creation of a fairer and pluralistic justice system in Ethiopia

Why

Customary courts play a central role in resolving disputes across many parts of Ethiopia, often serving as the most accessible and trusted form of justice for local communities.

However, their widespread use has not always been matched by systematic oversight, documentation, or alignment with national legal standards and human rights principles.

The initiative responds to this gap by promoting transparency, safeguarding the rights of vulnerable groups, and supporting the constructive integration of customary justice mechanisms into broader justice and transitional justice frameworks.


The programme employs structured observation, documentation, and analysis methodologies to monitor customary court practices. It works closely with justice sector stakeholders to:

  • assess compliance with key principles such as due process, non-discrimination, complementarity, and “do no harm”;

  • document practices, challenges, and emerging trends across different regions;

  • identify and promote best practices;

  • generate evidence-based recommendations to inform policy, legal reform, and capacity-building efforts.

The initiative also facilitates dialogue between customary justice actors and formal institutions, contributing to more coherent and complementary justice systems.


The initiative is implemented at both the federal and regional levels across Ethiopia, covering all regions irrespective of whether customary courts are formally established

How
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