The border town of Phuentsholing, Bhutan’s commercial hub, is home to a diverse population, including vulnerable groups, who often face challenges when accessing justice services. The new Legal Aid Centre, inaugurated on 30 August 2025, will serve these communities, particularly women, persons with disabilities, children in conflict with the law, and survivors of gender-based violence.

From legal counsel to representation and referrals, the Centre will strive to provide justice where it is needed most.

The opening of the regional centre, an extension of the National Legal Aid Centre in Thimphu, is aimed at expanding legal aid services beyond the capital, Thimphu and ensuring justice reaches all, especially the most vulnerable. 

Sitting in the Phuentsholing Dungkhag Court, the Centre is an initiative of the Bhutan National Legal Institute, established with support from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the European Union (EU) as part of the project “Strengthening people-centric and inclusive access to justice in Bhutan.” The €1.1 million project, funded by the EU, is being implemented by UNDP in partnership with Bhutan's justice sector.

The Phuentsholing Centre is one of two regional legal aid centres being established through the project in 2025. The second will be set up at the Mongar Dzongkhag Court later this year. These centres will work closely with the National Legal Aid Centre in Thimphu, which was established in 2022 with support from UNDP.