The International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA-Ghana) has trained paralegals from the Volta and Eastern Regions on adolescents’ access to justice, as part of efforts to strengthen protection and support systems for young people.
The training was organised with support from the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and focused on promoting awareness of adolescents’ rights and improving their ability to seek justice safely.
The session brought together FIDA-trained paralegals who play a critical role as first points of support for adolescents in their communities.
Participants discussed key barriers that prevent young people from accessing justice, including limited awareness of their rights, challenges in reporting abuse, limited access to legal representation, child protection concerns, gender-based violence, and Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR).
The training also examined how paralegals can support adolescents to access appropriate referral and support services.
A major focus of the programme was strengthening participants’ capacity to provide safe, child-friendly, confidential and appropriate support to adolescents seeking justice.
The paralegals were equipped with practical knowledge and skills to listen to adolescents without judgement, protect their privacy, identify cases requiring specialised intervention, and connect them to legal, health, social welfare and child protection services.
FIDA-Ghana said the approach was designed to ensure that adolescents receive timely and appropriate support, particularly those affected by abuse, exploitation or gender-based violence.
Through the training, FIDA-Ghana is strengthening a network of paralegals who can raise awareness on adolescents’ rights, support case identification and referrals, and advocate for improved access to justice at the community level.
The organisation noted that many adolescents face difficulties navigating justice and protection systems due to fear, stigma, misinformation and limited knowledge of available services.
The training therefore seeks to bridge this gap by empowering frontline paralegals to guide adolescents through available legal and protection pathways.
FIDA-Ghana reaffirmed its commitment to working with UNFPA and other partners to build a justice system that is responsive to the needs of adolescents.
The trained paralegals from the Volta and Eastern Regions are expected to support community education, referrals and advocacy to ensure that more adolescents can access justice, protection and essential support services.