Access Denial in Urban Slums: Exploring Access to Justice for Vulnerable Populations in Ethiopia,

Urban slums in Ethiopia face significant challenges in accessing justice, with vulnerable populations often marginalized and denied access to legal services. The study employed a qualitative approach involving semi-structured interviews with stakeholders including government officials, community leaders, and individuals from vulnerable groups living in urban slums. Data was collected through participant observation and document review. A key finding is that over 70% of interviewees reported difficulties accessing justice due to language barriers, lack of awareness about legal rights, and inadequate infrastructure for legal services. The qualitative insights underscore the urgent need for targeted interventions aimed at enhancing communication channels and providing education on legal rights within urban slum communities. Recommendations include developing community-based legal aid programmes in urban slums and implementing educational campaigns to improve understanding of legal rights among vulnerable populations.