The Third Annual Internal Moot Court Competition, held at Hawassa University’s African Hall on April 3–4, 2025, brought together aspiring legal minds for a rigorous test of advocacy skills, with Eco-Justice Ethiopia playing a pivotal role as a key sponsor and collaborator.  

Organized by the Hawassa University Law Students’ Association (HULSA) in partnership with Eco-Justice Ethiopia and the School of Law, the competition centered on the African Human Rights system, challenging participants to engage with critical regional legal frameworks. Twelve students, divided into four teams, honed their skills in memorial writing and oral advocacy through intensive preparation before facing off in a two-stage contest.  

The competition began with preliminary rounds on April 3, where teams presented arguments before two-judge panels, with the top two advancing based on oral and written submissions. The final round on April 4 featured a five-judge bench evaluating the finalists' legal reasoning and advocacy skills in a 90-minute session to determine the winners.

Eco-Justice Ethiopia’s sponsorship was instrumental in ensuring the competition’s success, providing critical support for logistics, awards, and capacity-building for the participants. The organization’s commitment to justice, environmental advocacy, and youth empowerment was highlighted throughout the event.  

During the closing ceremony, HULSA and the School of Law presented a certificate of appreciation to Eco-Justice Ethiopia, recognizing its valuable contribution to fostering legal education and practical advocacy skills among students. 

With over 100 students in attendance, the event fostered a dynamic learning environment, encouraging peer engagement and academic growth. 

The awards ceremony included speeches by the Dean and Law School Head highlighting the value of moot courts in legal education, with honors given to the top teams, best oralist, and best memorial. 

The competition not only honed students’ legal skills but also highlighted the vital role of partnerships between academic and civil society organizations like Eco-Justice Ethiopia. ‘We are proud to empower young legal minds who will champion environmental justice,’ said Eskedar Awgechew, Founder and Executive Director of Eco-Justice Ethiopia.’