Bahir Dar, September 30, 2026 (Amhara Region Supreme Court)
The Second Annual Conference of Judges of the Amhara Region Courts officially commenced under the theme “Enhancing Access and Excellence in judicial service.”
The conference provides a platform for in-depth discussions on new laws and contemporary judicial service frameworks; access to and efficiency of justice services; judicial independence and accountability; professional ethics; and reform initiatives being undertaken by the courts.
Delivering the opening remarks at the conference, W/ro Fantu Tesfaye, Speaker of the Amhara Regional Council, highlighted the judicial reforms undertaken by the Amhara Region Supreme Court over the past two years. She noted that improving the working environment, advancing the use of technology, and strengthening institutional cooperation are among the key measures that contribute to improving the judicial system.
The Speaker emphasized that judicial independence is not merely a personal right of judges, but also a safeguard that enables citizens to obtain fair and impartial justice.
She further underscored the need for judicial independence to go hand in hand with accountability, stressing that professional ethics, transparency, and accountability must be strengthened within the justice system.
In particular, she called for the continuation and strengthening of ongoing reform initiatives aimed at enhancing public confidence in the justice system.
The Speaker also noted that integrating modern technology into court operations contributes to the modernization of the judicial system and improves the efficiency of service delivery. Accordingly, she emphasized the need to further strengthen the use of technology in the courts.
The Speaker further stated that the justice system is not the responsibility of a single institution and that institutions must work together through cooperation and coordination. In this regard, she affirmed that the Regional Council will strengthen its cooperation with the courts to modernize the justice system and ensure that the public benefits from an effective justice system.
She also noted that continuously enhancing judges’ knowledge and professional skills, as well as ensuring that the annual conference is held regularly and on schedule each year, would contribute to institutional development and the strengthening of the justice system. She expressed her appreciation to the leadership and staff of the courts for their efforts.
The Speaker further emphasized that a strong and independent judiciary that upholds the rule of law is a fundamental foundation for building a democratic system, protecting citizens’ rights, and advancing development.
In this regard, she underscored that judges are expected to be strong, independent and impartial professionals with the requisite knowledge and expertise, and guided by high standards of professional ethics.
Describing judicial service as “the last line of defense for citizens,” the Speaker called on judges to deliver justice without discrimination, noting that judicial decisions have a direct impact on the lives and property of citizens and therefore require judges to exercise their professional competence with due care and responsibility.
The Second Annual Conference of Judges of the Amhara Region Courts, which will be held over 10 consecutive days, will provide training aimed at strengthening judges’ decision-making capacity. In addition, the conference will serve as a forum to review the work undertaken and results achieved during the past working year, identify challenges encountered, and determine directions and priorities for the coming period.
