Democracy, Human Rights and Governance

Overview

Centers of Excellence training at the Ministry of Public Works and Housing.

USAID supports the development of institutions necessary for a future Palestinian state by promoting the rule of law, increasing civic engagement, and enhancing respect for human rights. These initiatives will support the capacity of the Palestinian Authority (PA) to meet constituents’ needs, enhancing its ability to serve effectively as a governing body. Toward this end, USAID worked closely with PA ministries to create 16 modern service centers that issue basic documents to Palestinian citizens. In the justice sector, USAID supported the establishment of the first Palestinian Judicial Institute and helped the Palestinian Ministry of Finance create systems that increased property tax collection by 56 percent. Customer satisfaction with government services has increased by an average of 14 percent since 2009.

Goals

• Improve the capacity of PA institutions to deliver high-quality services to the public on a sustainable basis
• Enhance communication and coordination among the PA, local governments, and civil society organizations

Active Projects

Civic Participation Program

The Civic Participation Program is intended to support citizen engagement with the Palestinian Authority (PA). As the PA continues to develop the quality and capacity of government institutions, it is important for citizens to understand and participate in decision-making processes. Programs will assist citizens’ and civil society initiatives to raise awareness on important issues; provide space for the next generation of democratic leaders to emerge; and increase overall access to accurate information. 

Palestinian Authority Capacity Enhancement Project

The Palestinian Authority Capacity Enhancement Project is strengthening the institutional capacity of PA ministries and institutions, including the Ministry of Finance, the Ministry of Transportation, the Ministry of Public Works and Housing, the Ministry of Interior, and the Ministry of Telecommunication and Information Technology. The project is partnering with these ministries to improve their ability to deliver critical services, helping them to become fully functioning institutions. This project supports improvements in service delivery, financial and human resource management, accountability and transparency.

Palestinian Justice Enhancement Program

The Palestinian Justice Enhancement Program strengthens public confidence and respect for justice sector institutions and the rule of law in the West Bank and Gaza. The program directly addresses the priorities and objectives outlined in the Palestinian Authority’s justice sector strategy. Specifically, the program will improve the performance of justice sector institutions and actors, and will increase public knowledge of the law and the justice sector.