USAID/MEXICO JUSTICE AND SECURITY PROGRAM QUARTERLY REPORT – APRIL-JUNE 2012

The program's primary objective is to support comprehensive reform implementation in Mexico, focusing on legislative, institutional, and civil society strengthening. Key legislative achievements include the submission and passage of four bills in Puebla, including the Alternative Justice Law and proposed reforms to the State Criminal Procedure Code. These bills were submitted by the Governor's Office to the State Congress and passed on July 26, marking a significant step towards implementing the New Criminal Justice System (NCJS) in the state. Institutional strengthening is another critical component of the JASP. The program has been working to enhance the capacity of inter-institutional committees to coordinate the implementation of the Criminal Justice Reform (CJR). This has involved providing technical assistance to improve the coordination and implementation of CJR at the state and federal levels. The program has also been working to strengthen the capacity of justice system institutions to implement CJR, including the development of standard operating procedures and the provision of training to justice sector officials. Civil society organizations (CSOs) have played a crucial role in the JASP, and the program has been working to enhance their capacity to inform public opinion and advocate for the CJR. This has involved providing training and technical assistance to CSOs, as well as supporting their participation in the CJR process. The program has also been working to enhance the knowledge and understanding of journalists about the CJR and their role within the justice system. The JASP has made significant progress in implementing its objectives, with notable achievements in legislative, institutional, and civil society strengthening. The program's efforts have contributed to the development of a more effective and efficient justice system in Mexico, with a focus on promoting human rights and the rule of law. The program's performance monitoring plan (PMP) has been instrumental in tracking progress and identifying areas for improvement. The PMP has been used to monitor the program's results against its objectives and to make adjustments as needed. The program has also been working to strengthen its financial management, with a focus on transparency and accountability. The JASP has also been working to develop and implement new initiatives, including the e-Learning platform for police investigators and the Human Rights Masters program. These initiatives aim to enhance the capacity of justice sector officials and promote a culture of human rights within the justice system. Overall, the JASP has made significant progress in the third quarter of fiscal year 2012, with notable achievements in legislative, institutional, and civil society strengthening. The program's efforts have contributed to the development of a more effective and efficient justice system in Mexico, with a focus on promoting human rights and the rule of law. The program's achievements are reflected in the annexes, which include a detailed financial report, deliverables completed, training data, articles published by JASP-trained journalists, and detailed information on the training impact evaluation. The annexes also include lessons learned from the study tours carried out during the period, presentations on the Human Rights Masters and e-Learning programs, and a table of alternative justice centers strengthened and created.