Project profile — Access to Justice

This project aims to improve the delivery of justice services to the Palestinian people. A key objective is to assist the Ministry of Justice (MOJ) in implementing a comprehensive training strategy. This strategy allows the MOJ to enhance its legal expertise (e.g., legal aid policy and programmes), consult meaningfully with stakeholders and civil society groups, and draft effective legislation. The project also supports the MOJ in creating a social and legal environment that promotes gender and juvenile justice. Lastly, the project encourages dialogue between justice sector institutions, the Palestinian Authority, professional associations, post-secondary institutions, and non-governmental organizations.

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Results achieved as of March 2013 include: the Ministry of Social Affairs implemented international standards at a juvenile detention facility and staff at the Ministry of Justice human rights unit now carry out regular visits to detained juveniles; the Palestinian Maintenance Fund collected alimony payments for 565 women and children in 2012, an increase of 30 percent from 436 women in 2011; 289 law enforcement and legal professionals were trained to deal with cases of gender-based violence; gender action plans were developed by the Ministry of Justice, the Office of the Attorney General, and the High Judicial Council; the delivery of certified or notarized documents increased by 53 percent, from 43,182 in 2011 to 66,109 in 2012; an improved website used by the Ministry of Justice to inform the public about justice issues saw traffic increase from 7,235 hits a month in 2011 to 16,164 in 2012; information on 1,586 court judgements was added to the legislation and case law database; government outreach to civil society was increased through consultations on issues of human rights, legal aid, continuing education for legal professionals and the Palestinian Authority’s strategic plans for justice sector institutions. These achievements are contributing to improving the delivery of justice services to Palestinians.