USAID RespondsUSAID assists in the development of Palestinian democracy through dynamic programs that support the growth of a modern legislature, lay the critical foundations for a rule of law and viable justice system, and encourage the creation of a robust civil society. The Democracy and Governance program consists of a number of different activities: As the primary donor to the Palestinian Legislative Council (PLC), USAID supports the development of the foundations, structure and infrastructure of a modern, democratic parliamentary body. All the PLC members and 80 percent of the PLC staff have received training to improve knowledge and skills through USAID assistance. USAID has also helped to improve legislation during the drafting process. The Rule of Law (ROL) program helps to build and develop Palestinian courts, legal offices and law schools. Through the program, USAID has improved the administrations of some 13 Palestinian courts by refurbishment and automation. The program has also boosted the research capabilities of four Palestinian law schools by improving the quality and quantity of information available to students, faculty, and the legal professionals. Working with the Palestinian legal community and other partners, USAID has created and developed two alternative dispute resolution (ADR) centers, one in the West Bank and one in Gaza - the only centers of their kind in the Palestinian areas. Through the Mission's flagship civil society support program, Tamkeen, USAID is encouraging public discourse in the Palestinian society. Tamkeen has provided grants to Palestinian civil society organizations to promote reform and defend citizen's rights. Through Tamkeen, the Mission supports key Palestinian "think tanks" that monitor public opinion, promote policy and legislative change. The program has also provided Palestinian NGOs with IT systems and training in project development, planning, and financial and budget management to strengthen their institutional capacity. The Moderate Voices program supports the small group of Palestinian civil society organizations who work to confront violence and incitement. The program trains media professionals, teaches young people conflict resolution skills and assists in improving the school curriculum. USAID helps key Palestinian partner organizations in the process towards elections and provides technical assistance on the administrative conduct of elections. The program focuses particularly on women's inclusion in all aspects of the electoral process. Results- Over the last eight years, USAID has committed about $19 million to the development of a sustainable, democratic legislative process in the West Bank and Gaza.
- The Rule of Law (ROL) program has committed more than $11 million in capacity building, training, and technical assistance to develop 13 Palestinian courts, 7 attorney general and prosecutorial offices, and 4 law schools since 1999.
- The Tamkeen program has awarded $12 million in small grants to 200 Palestinian civil society organizations working in all sectors throughout the West Bank and Gaza, helping them represent, advocate for, and inform the citizens and communities they serve. USAID's support has assured the existence of an independent and diverse civil society element in Palestinian democracy.
- During the four years of Intifada, USAID has supported 16 Palestinian public opinion polls initiating public discourse in 50 radio programs and 15 newspaper supplements.
- The $2 million Moderate Voices project has supported and strengthened the work of Palestinian civil society organizations to confront violence and incitement.
Last updated on January 4, 2005 |
USAID WEST BANK & GAZA
