The Federal Advocacy Service Licensing and Administration Proclamation approved

(Parliamentary news) June 10, 2021; Addis Ababa;- The House of Peoples' Representatives of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia (FDRE) has today approved the draft proclamation on the licensing and administration of the Federal Advocacy Service.

Honourable Abu Berki, Chairperson of the Standing Committee on Law, Justice and Democracy, presented the report and the resolution to the House.

He told the House that the draft proclamation has been referred to the Standing Committee for detailed consideration and discussed extensively with stakeholders, professionals and sufficient resources have been obtained.

During the discussion, he said that they have identified a wide range of legal, procedural, and competent and ethical issues in the field of attorney and advocacy service licensing and administration.

He added that the fact that the advocacy 's license is fully under the control of the government has prevented the service from growing to the required level and that the service has not been adequately provided.

According to Honourable Abu Berki, the advocacy proclamation was not qualified to lead the advocacy organizations and law firms required for the country's overall economic, social and political activities.

According to the report, a number of amendments have been made to the draft proclamation, beginning with the complete replacement of some articles.

Finally, the Federal Procurement Licensing and Administration Proclamation emphasize the role of lawyers and law advocacy agencies in the administration of justice and the rule of law.

He recommended that the House approve the draft proclamation as it would solve the legal and ethical problems of lawyers, protect their rights and freedoms, promote rule of law and the right of access to just and ensure better protection of users of advocacy service.

After extensive discussion on the draft proclamation, the House unanimously approved The Federal Advocacy Service Licensing and Administration Proclamation No. 1249/2021

By Yared Eshetu