Justice, Human Rights, and Security Strengthening Activity (JHRSS) Quarterly Report #18

The project, implemented by DAI Global, LLC, aims to strengthen the justice sector in Honduras and promote human rights. Strengthening the Justice Sector Chain for Attending to Domestic Violence was a key focus area during the quarter. Unidos supported the Honduran justice system's efforts to improve its response to women through the promotion of the Critical Path for Attending to Domestic Violence. Activities included training police to be better first responders to violence against women, strengthening judicial capacity and protocols, addressing inter-institutional obstacles to effective handling of cases, and educating women about the different forms of violence and where to seek relief. Creating more effective and accountable justice system institutions was another key area of focus. Unidos advanced the implementation of institutional strengthening activities during the quarter, including the installation of an electronic case file system that will boost Judicial Branch efficiency, transparency, and modernization of the forensic capacity for human identification that will reduce impunity in Honduras. The project also implemented enhanced management models at multi-purpose justice centers, in criminal courtrooms, and at select special prosecutors' offices. These models combine new technology with improved organization to target USAID investment on reining in impunity in the areas of human rights violations, crimes against life, and crimes affecting children and youths. Promoting quality engagement of justice institutions with citizens was also a key focus area. Unidos used grants to civil society organizations to create communities of practices that bring citizen advocates, law enforcement, and justice operators together at the municipal level to discuss issues that arise in the day-to-day operations of the justice system, and identify strategies or actions to resolve those issues and improve the performance of justice institutions where Unidos is supporting reform. The communities of practice will provide meaningful citizen oversight for justice system operations and help ensure the effectiveness and sustainability of USAID-backed institutional reform. Empowering police to reduce violence in target areas was also a key focus area. Much of Unidos' work in this area involved supporting the implementation of the National Community Policing Service Model (MNSPC) in select municipalities. The MNSPC aims to improve police-community relations and reduce violence in target areas. Unidos also supported the implementation of the Gang Resistance Education and Training (G.R.E.A.T.) program in select schools, which aims to prevent gang involvement and reduce violence among youth. In addition to these key focus areas, Unidos also continued to implement other activities during the quarter, including remote counseling between public defenders and defendants detained in the country's largest penitentiary, and the implementation of pandemic protocols to keep the wheels of justice turning. Overall, Unidos continued to make progress in its efforts to strengthen the justice sector in Honduras and promote human rights during the quarter. The project's activities are aimed at improving the effectiveness and sustainability of justice institutions, reducing impunity, and promoting quality engagement of justice institutions with citizens.