Access to Justice in Urban Slums: An Action Research Study on Vulnerable Populations in Côte d'Ivoire

Urban slums in Côte d'Ivoire are characterized by high levels of poverty and vulnerability among residents, who often lack access to formal legal channels for redress. An action research approach was employed, involving participatory workshops, interviews, and document review among residents and local legal service providers. Findings revealed that over 60% of respondents experienced significant barriers in accessing justice, including inadequate communication skills by legal representatives and insufficient understanding of their rights. The research highlighted the importance of improving access to legal information and enhancing community engagement with formal legal processes among vulnerable urban slum residents. Recommendations include developing culturally sensitive legal education programmes and establishing more accessible legal service delivery mechanisms in urban slums.