Security and Justice Sector Reform Project Quarterly Report (July 1 – September 30, 2015)

The project's primary objective is to enhance the capacity of state institutions to manage security and justice administration, as well as provide security and justice for citizens. The project's quarterly report for July 1 to September 30, 2015, highlights key achievements and challenges faced by the project during this period. The report notes that the Public Ministry (MP) and the International Commission against Impunity in Guatemala (CICIG) uncovered a corruption ring in Guatemala's customs authority in April 2015. The ring, known as La Linea, involved high-level government officials who received bribes from importing businesses to reduce import tariffs, resulting in losses of over Q.116 million (approximately US$15 million). The subsequent investigations led to the resignation of President Otto Fernando Pérez Molina and Vice President Ingrid Roxana Baldetti Elías, as well as the preventive imprisonment of at least 20 officials from state and private institutions. The report highlights the significant impact of these events on the country's political, economic, social, and legal landscape. Despite these challenges, security and justice sector institutions (SJSIs) continued to work on strengthening the justice system and achieving important results. The project collaborated with the National Civilian Police (PNC) to gain ground in the approval of proposed reforms to the PNC Organic Law. A proposal regarding the law was presented to the General Secretary of the Presidency for evaluation and support. The project also worked with the PNC's Directorship for Institutional Planning and Development to develop a comprehensive plan for the implementation of the proposed reforms. Additionally, the project supported the development of a new police curriculum that includes training on human rights, community policing, and conflict resolution. The project's efforts aimed to enhance the capacity of the PNC to provide effective and accountable policing services to the Guatemalan population. The report also highlights the project's cross-cutting components, including communications and social outreach, security and justice sector activities fund (sub-awards), rapid response fund (RRF), and gender integration. The project supported the development of a social communication strategy to promote the project's objectives and activities among the target audience. The project also provided sub-awards to civil society organizations to support their activities in the security and justice sector. The project's monitoring and evaluation activities focused on tracking progress against key indicators, including the approval of proposed reforms to the PNC Organic Law, the development of a comprehensive plan for the implementation of the proposed reforms, and the enhancement of the capacity of the PNC to provide effective and accountable policing services. The project's special reporting highlighted key issues, including the implementation of key laws, administrative issues, and the impact of the corruption ring on the country's security and justice sector. Overall, the project's quarterly report highlights the significant challenges faced by the security and justice sector in Guatemala, as well as the project's efforts to strengthen the sector and achieve important results. The report provides a comprehensive overview of the project's activities, achievements, and challenges during the quarter, and serves as a basis for future planning and decision-making.