International Development Law Organization

Enhancing the Capacity of Justice Institutions to Deliver Justice in Somalia

Lack of good governance and the rule of law are one of the most pressing problems confronting modern Somalia on its path towards stability and reconstruction. While there have been signs of progress, the absence of robust and competent institutions has contributed to a climate of insecurity and impunity. Several assessments of the justice system in Somalia have found that judges and prosecutors lack of adequate skills to effectively administer criminal trials in line with Somali laws and procedures, particularly with respect to safeguarding the rights of the accused. Within this context, judicial capacity development is therefore crucial to help advance the rule of law within the country.

Funded by the United States Department of State, IDLO is implementing a program that aims to increase the capacity of judges and prosecutors in Somalia to fairly and efficiently adjudicate and prosecute civil and criminal cases, as well as to enhance the Somali population’s access to formal justice institutions. The program works to increase the capacity of Federal judges and prosecutors to handle gender-based violence cases, and the capacity of Federal prosecutors to adjudicate serious crimes, improve courtroom etiquette, and follow prosecutorial procedures. Finally, the program aims to improve citizens’ accessibility to formal justice institutions by supporting the establishment of five Attorney General Offices in the Puntland, Jubaland, Southwest Somalia, Galmudug and Hirshabelle States.

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