More than 23,000 people received legal aid in Abu Dhabi this year, up 16 per cent on the previous year, officials said. The service provided by the Abu Dhabi Judicial Department is intended to help anyone unable to cover the cost of legal representation. Last year, more than 20,300 people were given assistance in the emirate, compared with 23,656 this year. Legal aid offices are located in ADJD branches in Abu Dhabi, Al Yahar, Al Ain and Al Dhafra. “Legal advice is available to all sides of a dispute, whether the person is an accuser or the accused,” said Mona Al Raisi, the head of the section. “Individuals who prove to be financially incapable of hiring a lawyer are appointed one by the court. “This is to guarantee that everybody gets equal access to justice, regardless of their financial status.” ADJD's legal aid section was established in 2013. It deals with all cases regardless of "gender, nationality, age or background," Mrs Al Raisi said. The department also runs an office dealing with human rights disputes. Common issues that officials help address range from requests to cancel deportation orders to the pardoning of financial debts. This year, the human rights section assisted in 199 cases in Abu Dhabi. Experts helped individuals negotiate with judges to ensure the best outcome for all parties. “A person could be facing a debt [that he could not pay] and the court issues an arrest order against him,” said Fatma Albedwawi, head of the section. Left unresolved, the problem could escalate, leading to indefinite custody and increased debt, she said.