Monthly Report: Judicial Strengthening Project (JSP) April 2013

The project, implemented by Tetra Tech DPK, was funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and began in May 2012. The project's main objective was to strengthen advocacy and citizen participation in judicial sector reform. To achieve this goal, the JSP conducted a short, focused assessment of the organizational needs of 11 professional organizations and civil society organizations (CSOs). The assessment identified performance gaps and recommended training and technical assistance packages customized to the needs of each organization. Three organizations were selected for phase II of the assessment: the Macedonian Judges' Association (MJA), the Macedonian Young Lawyers' Association (MYLA), and the Court Administration Association (CAA). The JSP proceeded with the implementation of phase III, which included a series of training workshops to enhance the capacity of the selected organizations. The MJA participation was low, and its members displayed a lack of enthusiasm. However, the JSP staff met with the president of the MJA to discuss the future participation of the association in the program. It was agreed that the MJA would participate in only two training sessions: Effective Media and Public Relations and Organization and Management Skills. Given the reduced participation of the MJA, the JSP reached out to eight LPAs/CSOs that were not among the original targeted group and offered them seats at the remaining training sessions. The selected participants made a good-faith commitment to attend specific sessions. The JSP also supported the development of strategies for strengthening the membership base of the CAA. The project funded the hiring of an office assistant to support the work of the CAA's president and facilitate clear communications with branch offices and other members. The CAA published a brochure (Informator) in 2010, and the JSP supported the production of the association's second brochure to promote awareness of its recent results and accomplishments. The JSP will organize the fourth CAA Annual Assembly, in cooperation with the CAA. During the Assembly, members will draft revised versions of selected merit-based job descriptions and review and recommend amendments to certain aspects of the Law on Court Service. Approximately 70 members of the CAA will attend the Assembly, together with 10 participants of the working groups that will work on the revision of the job descriptions. The MYLA provides continuing legal education for young lawyers and works to promote and improve the legal profession in Macedonia. It also promotes access to public information and supports the establishment of a free legal aid system. The JSP collaborated with MYLA in the preparation and distribution of a flyer designed to strengthen the association, bolster the participation of its existing members, and attract new members. MYLA completed a more in-depth brochure describing its accomplishments, which it will distribute to young attorneys and law students, and potential donors, and partners from abroad. The JSP's efforts aim to enhance the capacity of the Macedonian judicial sector, promote advocacy and citizen participation, and improve the administration of justice. The project's activities are focused on strengthening the capacity of professional organizations and civil society organizations, improving the functioning of the Court Administration Association, and promoting the rule of law in Macedonia.