THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE RIGHT OF ACCESS TO JUSTICE FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES: A CASE FROM THE PROVINCE OF MALANJE

Abstract

The study, entitled "The Implementation of the Right of Access to Justice for Persons with Disabilities: A Case Study from Malanje Province," aims to understand the degree to which the right of access to justice for persons with disabilities is implemented in Malanje, identifying the challenges and opportunities for building a legal system. The central issue is knowing what factors contribute to the persistence of barriers to access to justice for persons with disabilities in Malanje Province and how they can be overcome to promote truly inclusive justice. The study focuses on 1) identifying the main physical, communicational, and institutional obstacles faced by persons with disabilities in accessing justice; 2) evaluating the public policies and measures implemented by the provincial government and the judicial system to promote inclusion; 3) investigating the perceptions of judges, lawyers, civil servants, and persons with disabilities themselves regarding accessibility in the courts; and 4) proposing strategies that contribute to strengthening inclusion and equity in the judicial system of Malanje. The research uses a qualitative approach, drawing on documentary analysis, semi-structured interviews, and direct observation in courts and institutions supporting people with disabilities. Research participants include judges, lawyers, public servants, representatives of civil society organizations, and people with disabilities who have had contact with the judicial system. It is important to urgently promote a critical reflection on inclusion in the Angolan justice system, which, although supported by international laws and conventions, still lacks concrete mechanisms to guarantee full accessibility. Furthermore, the study seeks to contribute to the consolidation of a legal culture that is more sensitive to human diversity, strengthening the ethical and social commitment of public institutions. It concludes that achieving access to justice requires joint action between the State, civil society, and the legal community, guided by principles of equity, empathy, and respect for human dignity. Justice, when truly inclusive, becomes not only a space for decision-making, but also an instrument of citizenship and social emancipation.