In Abidjan last month, USAID launched ProJustice, a flagship justice sector support project for Côte d'Ivoire. This five-year project will improve the functioning of the justice system through a robust training program focused on judicial police, magistrates, and judicial administrative agents. It will improve case management in targeted communities and strengthen the capacity of the Inspector General of the Judiciary and key judicial actors to promote transparency and accountability.

The project was inaugurated by the Director of Cabinet of the Ministry of Justice, Liberties, and Human Rights and U.S. Chargé d'Affaires ad interim Cheryl Sim. Following a presentation of the project by implementing partner Tetra Tech, participants were broken into working groups to discuss challenges and solutions, including the contributions of civil society in the justice sector and the relationship between the judicial police and the prosecutor's office.

ProJustice will improve citizens' access to justice, by strengthening legal aid mechanisms and supporting a broad information campaign to help the public gain an understanding of the judiciary and its core functions and processes. The $19-million project will take the first step in bringing together key actors to identify gaps in skills and services across the justice sector. The national police, magistrates, judicial police, civil society, and NGOs were among the participants.

USAID's democracy and governance portfolio strives to support the Government of Côte d'Ivoire as it strengthens its democratic institutions to increase citizen confidence and participation.