African Legal Philosophy and Theory (Law/Philosophy crossover) | 17 September 2010
Accessing Justice in Urban Slums: An Action Research Study on Vulnerable Populations in Egypt
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Abstract
Urban slums in Egypt present unique challenges for accessing justice due to socio-economic disparities and limited legal resources. An action research approach was employed, involving community consultations, legal clinics, and data collection through surveys and interviews among residents of urban slums in Cairo. A significant proportion (35%) of respondents reported facing challenges such as language barriers and inadequate legal knowledge to navigate the justice system effectively. While existing legal aid services were available, their accessibility and effectiveness varied widely across different neighborhoods. Recommendations include enhancing community engagement and expanding outreach programmes. Develop culturally-sensitive educational materials in multiple languages for urban slum residents, strengthen partnerships between local authorities and non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and allocate more resources to support legal aid initiatives.