Iraq Access to Justice Program Quarterly Report October 1, 2013 — December 31, 2013

The program aims to improve access to justice in Iraq by strengthening the capacity of civil society organizations (CSOs) and promoting sustainable legal aid. Public awareness and outreach efforts were a key component of the program, with a focus on training CSO partners on effective awareness-raising campaigns. Grassroots campaigns were implemented to raise public awareness, and a government cost-share fund was established to improve relationships between government, civil society partners, and vulnerable populations. The program also focused on legal education and services, with a goal of strengthening the capacity of CSOs to deliver legal aid. A legal aid delivery assessment was conducted, and technical assistance was provided to CSOs to improve their organizational capacity. The program also promoted sustainable legal aid through the establishment of a Legal Clinic Network and a Legal Aid Working Group. Advocacy and policy reform were additional components of the program, with a focus on strengthening the capacity of CSOs to advocate for policy changes. The program supported the establishment of an online NGO registration system and collaboration between the NGO Department and CSOs. Sustainable government funding for CSOs was also a key objective, as was the promotion of social safety nets and support for women with missing husbands. Gender integration was a critical aspect of the program, with a focus on ensuring that all activities were inclusive of women and girls. A gender integration action plan was developed, and gender participation in the Grants Evaluation Committee was ensured. The program also built the capacity of staff and partners to integrate gender into their work. Monitoring and evaluation were essential components of the program, with a focus on internal evaluation, performance management, and the development of an M&E database. Site visits and M&E training were also conducted to build the capacity of partners to improve their M&E practices. Grant awards were made to support the program's objectives, and capacity building for improved grant management was a key focus area. Implementation challenges were also identified, including delays in project implementation and difficulties in accessing certain areas of the country. Upcoming program activities included the continuation of public awareness and outreach efforts, as well as the expansion of the Legal Clinic Network and the Legal Aid Working Group. The program also planned to continue its advocacy and policy reform efforts, including the promotion of social safety nets and support for women with missing husbands. The program's financial reports, program deliverables, and risk analysis were included in the annexes, as well as a monitoring and evaluation summary. Figures illustrating the program's support for the Social Safety Net legislative process were also included.