The Legal Aid "Mobile Consultation Centre" was launched on October 18 with the goal of increasing the general public's access to free legal assistance. The project was implemented by the Legal Aid Service with the support of Germany and the United Nations Development Program (UNDP). The "Mobile Consultation Centre" is a specialized minibus outfitted with the essential tools, where it is possible to offer one-on-one legal counselling with confidentiality, and where, if required, legal documents will be drafted.
H.E. Peter Fischer, the Ambassador of Germany to Georgia; Anna Chernyshova, UNDP Resident Representative a.i. in Georgia; and David Simonia, Legal Aid Service Director, met with the mobile consultation team before their journey to discuss the most effective way of offering free legal services to those who need it most.
"With the support of the Government of Germany and UNDP, we are extending our reach to remote areas in Georgia. Our mission is to create lasting change by empowering vulnerable communities and increasing their access to justice by providing free legal services," said David Simonia, Legal Aid Service Director.
“The rule of law is indispensable in European democracies. I am delighted that we are contributing to all Georgians knowing their rights and how to defend them,“ said H.E. Peter Fischer, the Ambassador of Germany to Georgia.
"Access to justice is a fundamental right, and this initiative will play a crucial role in ensuring that hard-to-reach populations can exercise their legal rights effectively," noted Anna Chernyshova, UNDP Resident Representative a.i. in Georgia.
On the same day, the Mobile Consulting Center made its first trip and provided legal assistance to the population of the village of Nikozi in the pre-conflict zone. David Simonia met with the residents of Zemo and Kvemo Nikosi, as well as Zemo and Kvemo Khviti. D.Simonia gave them an overview of the LAS services and described what the mobile consultatation centre offers.
Gori Legal Aid Bureau consultant, Nino Masurashvili welcomed the first beneficiaries at the mobile consulttation center and provided individualized advice to Nikosi residents.
According to the locals of Nikosi, there are several concerns common in the area, involving bank loans, inheritance, social assistance, land registration, and other matters, thus the villagers unquestionably need expert legal advice. Accordingly, the mobile consultation center will make frequent trips to these and other pre-conflict zone settlements.