Provision of Legal services in simiyu

According to 2012 Nation census about 93% of Simiyu region population resides in rural areas where legal service facilities are limited and minimal due to poor connectivity between rural areas and urban where most of the legal services facilities are not found. Simiyu region is overloaded with land disputes but there is only one district land tribunal serving all five districts at Simiyu Region, hence most of land disputes are not legally resolved leading to escalation of land conflicts. Additionally, about 75% of the community members in Simiyu region have poor understanding of justice, human and legal rights. With that, rights of many members of the community are violated. Women and girl children are the most victims in many disputes where their rights are much violated and to rescue the situation, there is a need of legal aid education in Simiyu region will be a sustainable solution toward attainment of justice.

The role of Paralegals in ensuring access to justice for Simiyu communities

Paralegals provide legal aid, educational and awareness building services on the laws of the country and human rights and plights to needy communities. Through their services, individuals and communities are assisted to access their legal, social and economic rights. Of course, paralegals serve as significant pillars when it comes to disputes / conflicts resolution at the community levels. We have documented countless testimonies of successfully resolved cases and grievances redressed (inheritance, child maintenance, land disputes, marriage, divorce, matrimonial etc.) through paralegals services.

Besides providing direct legal aid to needy people, KASODEFO considers the contribution of paralegals toward raising public awareness of the laws of Tanzania and about human rights and duties for common people as one of the major activities of paralegals. They do this through regular village meetings, special sessions, working with more than 10,000 groups and other forums. Knowledge and awareness are the entry points toward empowerment on legal and human rights issues. Empowerment means that people develop the skill s to use the law to positively influence their lives as citizens and economic actors. Empowered communities and individuals take positive action to access their rights and thus justice in Simiyu region. And the total Number of 158450 are reached through legal education and total number 4397 of are reached through legal aid services provided by paralegals in simiyu from 2017 to 2019.

Our Commitment

Promoting protection of human rights for all, with an emphasis on poor women, girls and other vulnerable groups. We enhance the availability, affordability, accessibility, and acceptability of quality legal aid services through paralegals and other legal aid providers.

KASODEFO works closely with the government of Tanzania at all levels, development partners, organizations involved in the provision of legal aid, including paralegal services and other like-minded stakeholders.