IRAQ ACCESS TO JUSTICE PROGRAM WEEKLY REPORT #57

The program is implemented by ARD, Inc. through its operating unit Tetra Tech DPK. The program's main purpose is to support the development of a more just and equitable society in Iraq by enhancing the capacity of civil society organizations, professional organizations, and government partners to provide access to justice services. The program is divided into three components: Improve Knowledge of Legal Remedies, Improve Legal Education and Services, and Advocacy and Improved Government Services. Component 1 focuses on improving knowledge of legal remedies through strategic communication campaigns, public outreach, and needs assessments. For example, the Erbil Regional Office received five new draft brochure designs from the Kurdistan Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs to assist in their campaign to build awareness for vulnerable groups. Component 2 aims to improve legal education and services by supporting Iraqi NGOs working in priority access to justice areas. This includes providing training, technical, and material assistance to partner organizations to conduct public outreach or needs assessments. For instance, Component 2 conducted a workshop on Monitoring and Evaluation in Basrah, which was attended by 17 NGOs nominated by the Basrah NGO Directorate and the Basrah Regional Office. Component 3 focuses on advocacy and improved government services by supporting partners in reviewing processes and procedures for reform of policies, regulations, and legislation as they relate to vulnerable populations. For example, Component 3 is re-editing the draft Law on Lawyers for discussion at the Iraqi Bar Association Conference. The program also includes grants administration, which involves reviewing and approving grant applications from partner organizations. For example, four out of eight Grant Summary Forms received were sent to the Grant Evaluation Committee and were approved for Phase 2 of the application process. The program has made significant progress in its first quarter, with notable achievements including the completion of a specialized training on public awareness campaigns, the review of print materials for the Women Empowerment Organization, and the conduct of monitoring visits in the Kurdistan Region to ensure compliance with USAID branding and marking regulations. The program's geographic focus is on Iraq, with a particular emphasis on the Kurdistan Region and Basrah. The program's timeframes are quarterly, with the first quarter covering October 1, 2010 to December 31, 2010. The program's recommendations include continued support for partner organizations, further training and technical assistance, and ongoing monitoring and evaluation to ensure the program's effectiveness. The program's implementation details include the use of grants to support partner organizations, the provision of training and technical assistance, and the conduct of monitoring and evaluation activities. The program's recommendations also include the need for additional funding to support the program's activities and the development of a more comprehensive monitoring and evaluation plan. The program's geographic context is complex, with ongoing security concerns and a challenging political environment. However, the program's focus on improving access to justice for vulnerable populations is critical to the development of a more just and equitable society in Iraq.