Sweden and UNDP sign agreement targeting rule of law in the OPT- Press release

Press Release

The Government of Sweden and UNDP sign a 6.24 million Dollar agreement

targeting rule of law in the oPt

Jerusalem, June 12th, 2009 – Demonstrating their strong commitment to the improvement of rule of law in the occupied Palestinian territory, the Government of Sweden announced a US$6.24 million contribution to the UNDP rule of law and access to justice programme over a period of three years.

The ceremony, held on Friday, 12th June 2009, was attended by Mr. Rolf Carlman, Country Director for the Swedish International Development Agency (SIDA), and Mr. Jens Toyberg-Frandzen, UNDP Special Representative of the Administrator.

The purpose of the project is to contribute to the development of a sustainable, fair and independent justice system in the oPt. The project will include strengthening the capacity of rule of law institutions and civil society organizations, improving gender and juvenile justice, enhancing access to justice at the local and grass root level, in addition to building confidence of the stakeholders and the Palestinian public in the legal system.

A recently issued UNDP report identifies access to justice as one of the critical areas of need in the oPt. The existence of two different legal frameworks in the West Bank and Gaza, the Israeli occupation and the rift between Fatah and Hamas have all contributed to the challenges and complexities of the justice sector. The project is part of UNDP’s support to rule of law and in line with the Palestinian Reform and Development Plan.

For further information, please contact:

In Jerusalem: Dania Darwish, Communications Officer, Tel. +972-2-6268229 – e-mail: dania.darwish@undp.org, Conal Urquhart, External Relations Advisor, Tel. +972-2-6268200 – e-mail: conal.urquhart@undp.org

In New York: Sausan Ghosheh Communication’s officer, Tel. +1 (212) 906-5382 – e-mail: sausan.ghosheh@undp.org. For more information on UNDP/PAPP see http://www.undp.ps .

UNDP is the UN’s global development network, advocating for change and connecting countries to knowledge, experience and resources to help people build a better life. We are on the ground in 166 countries, working with them on their own solutions to global and national development challenges. As they develop local capacity, they draw on the people of UNDP and our wide range of partners.