Changing the Relationship Between Citizens and the State
What follows is the outline of a strategy for renewed USAID support for development of
Rule of Law and, closely linked, efforts to bring under control and significantly reduce
the rather high level of corruption that now exists. Overall this strategy proposes to focus
on a theme of changing the relationship between citizens and the state. Building on a
number of opportunities afforded by the Orange Revolution, such as greater press
freedom and increased political will to address corruption, this strategy highlights the
important role of the judiciary not only as the guarantor of rule of law, but also as a
primary means for citizens to hold government accountable. Implementation of
administrative law reforms and establishment of the new administrative courts will be
key in this sense. But the strategy also highlights the need for other means for citizen
interaction with state, through civil society, public oversight, the media, and greater
awareness of citizens’ rights and the responsibilities of government