Three Dimensions of Rule of Law Assistance
There are three dimensions to this proposed strategy. The first is a public policy
dimension, highlighting the need to forge consensus on and maintain momentum for
finalizing and implementing a conceptual framework or architecture of a reformed
judicial system. This framework would establish priorities for and identify areas where
USG could support new legislation needed to carry out a comprehensive judicial reform
strategy. The second is a structural dimension, identifying a limited set of potential
technical programs that, if USAID provided assistance, would have substantial positive
impact on the overall efficiency and effectiveness of the judicial system as well as on
reducing corruption. Extensive USAID involvement in many, though not all, of these
technical areas would be conditional on the Government’s substantial progress on part
one, the development of a strategy and new legislation. Theses areas represent a new
opportunity for USG to assist on the “supply side” of the Rule of Law equation. Finally,
the third is a demand and realization dimension, addressing citizen expectations,
knowledge, and attitudes toward the effectiveness and fairness of the judicial system,
their ability to access justice, and the realization of those rights. USAID has remained
active in the “demand side” of rule of law development following the conclusion of its
earlier ROL strengthening program in 1999, and it is important that the demand side
continue to receive attention and support, but in a manner that goes beyond simple
awareness raising and informing citizens of their rights. What is needed now is effective
realization of those rights.
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Of these three dimensions, the first is the most urgent and most important. It will
nonetheless require fewer resources than the other two dimensions. The assessment team
estimates that the total funding for the activities in this proposed strategy will break out
as roughly 20-30-50 for the three dimensions respectively. This does not reflect the
prioritization of each dimension, rather simply the relative allocation of resources needed
for each.