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Modernization of the Justice Sector in Syria

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Implementing Partner: (NEX) Ministry of Justice
Practice Area: Democratic Governance
Total Budget: US$ 450.000
Total expenditures as of December 2007: US$ 815,000
Duration: April 2006-April 2008 (extended)
Status: Ongoing
Location: Daraa, Syria

Project Objectives:
This project aims at improving the administration of and access to justice for citizens through simplifying and modernizing judicial and administrative procedures, creating help desk and support clinics as well as automating the case processes within the court system through a pilot phase in Dara'a. This project aims to ensure the delivery of appropriate judicial services in a more timely and fair fashion to strengthen public confidence in the role of the judiciary as well as to raise the quality of judicial decision making through a more efficient and responsible judiciary. This will also contribute to a more independent judicial system.


Achievements / Current Status:

  • Comprehensive gap analyses to simplify court procedure conducted to inform the subsequent project IT modernization work plan.
  • Introduction of automation software and corresponding training courses for Judges and Court Personnel; 130 admitted into ICDL traning
  • First Instant Court in Dara'a was selected for the introduction of the automation software (system was approved at the central level by the Minister of Justice and members of the higher judicial council)
  • Demonstration of the automation system held for the Ministry of Justice introducing specifics of the automation system.

Target for 2008:

  • Several trainings for court personnel and Judges on basic IT skills, new automation system as well as day to day operation and work in the Courts
  • Design and implement a customized curriculum for junior and senior judges on international treaties, particularly those related to human rights and humanitarian law ratified by the Syrian Government.
  • Launch of a website (Arabic and English) for the Ministry of Justice to serve as a national database of laws and precedence for court personnel. This website will eventually be accessible by the public.
  • Establishment of a Legal Aid Unit in Dara'a (pilot) designed to provide low or no cost legal advice and guidance, particularly in matters related to family law for women and children.

Target Beneficiaries:
  • Ministry of Justice
  • Court Personnel in Dara'a
  • Judges and Prosecutors in Dara'a
  • First Instant Court in Dara'a
  • Citizens accessing Judicial Sector (pilot in Dara'a)

Partnerships:
Embassy of Netherland in Syria

Project Documents Link:
National Project Director (NPD): Imad QattanIT Expert: Mohieldin Mourad
UNDP Project Management: Governance Team
E-mail: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Last update of project information: July2008