ProJustice program in the Democratic Republic of the Congo : final evaluation

Tetra Tech DPK implemented the ProJustice Program over the course of five years (September 2008–September 2013) with a budget of US $20,484,410. The main objective of the program was to develop an accessible and empowered justice system through improved judicial management, lower costs of access to justice, and a more informed and engaged public. ProJustice was designed around four main components, each with a corresponding core objective: (1) supporting the establishment of new judicial institutions; (2) more effective and transparent management of the judiciary and Ministry of Justice (MoJ); (3) more effective, transparent, and accessible court operations in pilot jurisdictions; and (4) increasing access to justice for vulnerable populations. This final performance evaluation helps to assess the validity of the program design and assumptions as well as the overall performance of the ProJustice Program, and to gauge the present landscape of the judiciary in the DRC. The specific objectives of this evaluation exercise are to: (1) make an overall independent assessment of the past performance of the ProJustice Program, with particular attention to the impact of program actions against its pre-established goals and objectives; and (2) identify key lessons learned and propose practical recommendations for the program and USAID/DRC for future rule of law (RoL) strategies. The evaluation found that the approach used by the program on both the supply and the demand sides of the justice system appears to have had a positive effect on the Congolese judicial institutions. With the exception of activities conducted under a fifth component, “Windows of Opportunity,” all four program components have been deemed appropriate, based upon data emerging from the evaluation. Several adjustments have been proposed to better support the justice sector and provide target communities with access to fair and transparent justice. The evaluation exercise and data confirm that the approach taken by the program was relevant and appropriate, addressing the needs and critical issues that the program set out to achieve. Although there were opportunities for improvement, overall the ProJustice project was successful in meeting its objectives. (Excerpt, modified)