Support to Access to Justice

Project Background

In furtherance of ongoing UNDP support to the Government of Sierra Leone in reforming and reviving the Justice Sector in Sierra Leone, the Access to Justice Initiative have been implemented alongside the PBF support to Justice Sector Reform Project. The Access to Justice Initiative ties in with the special niche of UNDP in supporting justice and related systems so that they work for those who are poor and disadvantaged.

Consequently, while the PBF support to Justice Sector Reform Project focussed on reforming and reviving the Justice sector, the Access to justice Initiative have played the complementary role of supporting processes and activities the enhance access and promoting a speedy, cost effectiveness and efficiency in the delivery of justice.

Project Objectives

The objective is to have quick impact on the lives and wellbeing of vulnerable and marginalized sections of the population in Sierra Leone

Project Outcome

  • The conduct of a workshop in Freetown on Alternative Dispute Resolution in the Sierra Leonean context.

  • The conduct of a workshop in Freetown to review and assess progress made towards simplification of national laws with human rights implication.

  • Undertake the simplification of two national laws: 1) the Criminal Procedure Action 1965 and; 2) Laws related to the Maintenance of Women and Children before, during and after marriage.

  • Establishment of a core committee to oversee the development of National Alternative Dispute Resolution Strategies for Sierra Leone.
     

Link with Millennium Development Goals (MDGs)

Goal 1: Eradicate Extreme Poverty and Hunger - accessible and transparent magistrate courts means that the poor have protection, representation and recourse to hold the powerful accountable for commitments to provide the services included in the various MDGs and targets.