Justice minister calls for adoption of technology to enhance access to justice

Emmanuel Ugirashebuja, the Minister of Justice, has emphasized the pivotal role of technology in improving access to justice, urging for its wider adoption in this regard. Ugirashebuja made, speaking at the African Law and Tech Network Summit 2024, organized and co-hosted by the Center for Law and Innovation, Hackapath, and Rwanda ICT Chamber at Norrsken House, Kigali, from March 13 to 15, Ugirashebuja underscored the need for a shift towards leveraging innovation and technology to facilitate broader access to justice. “In Rwanda, we've often pondered the relevance of lawyers in the era of the fourth industrial revolution, marked by advancements like AI and the Internet of Things. However, we must redirect our inquiry towards how technology and innovation can empower citizens to attain greater access to justice,” stated Ugirashebuja. ALSO READ: Rwanda awarded for using tech, innovation to improve justice He underscored Rwanda’s strides in utilising technology to bolster access to justice, citing the Integrated Electronic Cases Management System (IECMS) as a prime example. Launched in 2016 and currently undergoing upgrades to keep pace with technological advancements, IECMS streamlines processes across the justice sector, from case investigation to execution of judgments, fostering transparency and efficiency. Another noteworthy innovation highlighted by Ugirashebuja is the Mediators Management Information System, which facilitates the tracking of information and decisions, promoting accessibility and accountability in the justice system. Ugirashebuja expressed confidence in technology’s potential to deepen its impact on access to justice, citing promising innovations across Africa, such as a legal question-answering robot in Uganda. He stressed the importance of equipping legal professionals and the new generation with the requisite skills, including complex problem-solving, creativity, emotional intelligence, and a service-oriented mindset, to thrive in this evolving landscape. ALSO READ: Rwandan tech startup for lawyers secures $1.8 million in funding Florida Kabasinga, founder and Executive Director of CERTA Foundation, Rwanda disclosed that the Center for Law and Innovation is now the home of the ALT Network, commended the meeting of legal and tech professionals at the ALT Summit 2024, emphasizing the complementary nature of these fields in driving societal progress. Kabasinga highlighted Rwanda's pioneering efforts in integrating technology into legal processes and underscored the importance of fostering an innovation-friendly ecosystem to support startups and initiatives in this realm. Gathered various attendees from the industry, regulators, lawyers, investors, and policymakers to tech entrepreneurs, the summit, held under the theme “Shaping the Future – Navigating Digital Frontiers: Legal Considerations and Tech Innovations,” promises to ignite conversations and collaborations that will shape Africa’s digital future. ALSO READ: Technology use in the judicial sector: Experts warn of risks Moise Nkundabarashi, President of the Rwanda Bar Association (BAR), emphasized the transformative potential of technology in legal practice. While acknowledging challenges such as time constraints and adaptation to digital platforms. Nkundabarashi emphasized the need to embrace technological advancements and address monitoring concerns to maximize the benefits for the legal sector.

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Justice minister calls for adoption of technology to enhance access to justice