The Government has stepped up efforts to improve access to justice for prisoners and detainees across the country by strengthening legal aid services within the prison system. This initiative is the result of a renewed partnership between the Ministry of Constitutional and Legal Affairs and the Tanzanian Prison Service, aimed at strengthening legal support, capacity-building and the integration of digital technologies.
During the meeting in Dodoma, John Gingu, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Constitutional and Legal Affairs, said that this cooperation underscores the Government's commitment to making justice accessible to all citizens, including those in correctional institutions. He noted that prisoners and persons in custody need professional help in order to understand and effectively exercise their legal rights.
Gingu outlined key areas of cooperation, including specialized training for legal aid providers to improve the quality of services and introduce modern approaches to support vulnerable groups. He also highlighted the role of information and communication technologies (ICT) in improving efficiency, noting that digital systems would facilitate timely access to information and improve communication in correctional facilities. «We are committed to making legal aid services available to everyone who needs them, as part of the government's broader program to promote the rule of law», he said.
Jeremy Katundu, Commissioner General of Prisons (CGP), thanked the Ministry for its continued support, in particular in training prison staff to provide legal assistance. He noted that providing prisoners with a clearer understanding of judicial processes had significantly improved the administration of justice in prisons. In addition, Commissioner General Katundu expressed gratitude for the information and communication equipment provided by the Ministry, which improved the efficiency of daily work.
This strengthened partnership is expected to enhance the quality of legal services for prisoners, while contributing to the Government's goal of modernizing the justice sector through technological and institutional collaboration.
