Improve safety, security and access to justice for the people of Sierra Leone

Priorities (initial phase 2005-2007)

• Increased accessibility of justice for poor and vulnerable groups

• Revision of out of date and inappropriate laws and procedures

• Speedier resolution of cases through the courts

• Effective utilisation of available resources

• Improved response by the police to community needs and priorities

• Reduced congestion in prisons

• Better facilities and treatment for juveniles in the criminal justice system.

Updates

• Justice Sector Reform Strategy & Investment Plan 200-2010 launched in February 2008

• establishment of the Justice Sector Coordination Office within the Ministry of Justice

• Initiation of basket fund for sector budget support

The primary objective of the Implementation Phase (2008-2010):
is to arrive at a point where access to justice for the poor can be improved through a sector-wide approach (SWAp) which is fully integrated into GoSL processes.

• This could be achieved by ensuring that the Justice Sector Coordination Office functions effectively to manage Sector Budget Support for sector wide strategy. At present some processes, particularly policy development, are significantly managed and monitored through government structures, e.g. the Leadership Group and Technical Working Group. Other responsibilities within justice sector development, such as those related to project management and implementation, budgetary and donor coordination processes are mainly, if not wholly, retained by donors

Priorities for the remainder of the programme will be:

• To strengthen the capacity of the JSCO to coordinate the Justice Sector Reform Strategy effectively, including aspects such as M & E, reporting requirements and donor harmonisation. Success in this area forms a key element of the JSDP exit strategy.

• To provide sector budget support for the JSCO to implement activities prioritised in the JSRS & IP 2008-2010, with the option of increasing amounts available depending on a demonstration of the capacity to manage these funds well.

• To implement other activities that have been initiated and proved successful in the Inception Phase including Legislative process and policy framework affecting the administration of justice improved (Capacity of Members of Parliament strengthened in relation to legislative processes, Support to the Law Reform Commission, Public awareness of new Acts increased); Sector wide oversight and accountability mechanisms established or strengthened (Capacity of the Office of the Ombudsman strengthened, Investigations and Prosecutions Division in the Anti-Corruption Commission enhanced, MIALGCD accountability and oversight mechanisms strengthened in relation to police and prison services, Increased capacity of civil society to hold justice sector institutions accountable); Service delivery in the formal and informal justice systems improved (Intelligence directed proactive policing operations leading to more effective investigations, Prison Management changed from punishment/ incarceration to corrections management, Successful introduction of Prisoner Rehabilitation Programmes, Successful prosecutions accelerated through Prosecutions Division of the Attorney General’s Office, Services of Local Courts in Moyamba District provided in compliance with international human rights standards, Itinerant Court System consolidated in Bombali and Moyamba Districts); Improve access to justice for the poor marginalised and vulnerable groups (Improved Child Justice System operating in Freetown, Model Family Support Units-FSU established with comprehensive support services in Freetown, Makeni and Moyamba, Community Mediation Schemes implemented, Legal Aid) and Capacity of justice sector enhanced (Infrastructure projects completed in line with justice sector priorities)

• To support the Government of Sierra Leone in taking a stronger lead in donor coordination and harmonisation.