Addis Ababa:Ensuring the safety, security, and overall well-being of judicial officers is essential to strengthening the justice system, according to Ambassador Degfe Bula, Director-General of the Federal Law and Justice Institute. He made these remarks at a symposium titled “Judicial Well-Being,” organized to explore strategies for improving the working conditions and support for judges.
According to Ethiopian News Agency, the symposium addressed the significant health challenges judges face due to their work environment. Ambassador Degfe Bula noted that prolonged sitting and sustained high-level concentration contribute to physical, psychological, and mental health issues among judges. He emphasized the judicial system's role as a foundational pillar for upholding the rule of law and safeguarding human dignity.
Ambassador Degfe Bula further stated that building an effective justice system requires robust institutions and highly skilled personnel, supported by modern technology. He highlighted that judges are the pillars of public trust in the justice system. The judiciary, he said, demands an unwavering commitment to principle and high moral integrity.
Federal High Court Vice President Mitiku Mada also underscored the importance of judicial officers' well-being, stating it is a top strategic objective. He discussed the physical and psychological pressures of judicial work, mentioning that a legal framework has been established to provide medical services for judges and their families. Additionally, Mitiku noted that measures to mitigate occupational hazards are being introduced at various court levels, including wellness facilities for judges.
