Deadline: 09-Sep-2024
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), within the framework of the Access to Justice project, announces Grant support to two local CSOs to conduct a review of civil and criminal trials, which is to be implemented from September 2024 to March 2025.
Purpose
- To conduct monitoring of civil and criminal court cases
Scope
- Both CSOs shall together participate in the two-day workshop organized by UNDP and delivered by International Consultant on monitoring the quality of court proceedings. The CSOs shall ensure that all court observers who will engage in the monitoring under this grant attend the workshop, and will share the observers’ names and qualifications with UNDP prior to the training. During the workshop, the CSOs shall work with the International Consultant to develop drafts of the reporting forms and the methodology to be used by the court observers. The CSOs shall obtain approval from UNDP for using the forms. The CSOs shall ensure the observers understand the scope of work, ethical guidelines, and confidentiality requirements by having them execute statements in writing.
- Each CSO shall conduct monitoring of 10 civil and 10 criminal processes with at least five cases involving a secondary legal aid advocate. The CSO’s court observers shall attend court hearings for selected cases, observing proceedings and noting key aspects such as adherence to due process, fairness, and respect for human rights in accordance with the methodology developed with the International Consultant.
- Following the monitoring visits, systematically collect and analyze data and evidence using standardized monitoring forms and protocols.
- Conduct up to six consultations with the International Consultant, inperson or online, to review implementation and provide a summary of the consultations in the final report.
- Prepare comprehensive reports for each monitored case, detailing observations, findings, and recommendations.
- Share findings and recommendations with UNDP and International Consultant on regular basis.
- Prepare a joint final report in cooperation with the other CSO grantee and with support from the International Consultant and present it to the stakeholders, including judicial authorities, lawyers and advocates, civil society organizations, and development partners.
Funding Information
- $13,000 per CSO Total amount for two CSOs $26,000
Timeframe
- September 20, 2024 –March 30, 2025.
Expected Activities and Results
- In close cooperation with the International Consultant develop a Methodology and standardized checklist or evaluation criteria for monitoring court processes and decisions. The Methodology should include direct observations, interviews, document review, and data analysis and ensure the confidentiality and privacy of the parties involved in the cases.
- Each CSO shall conduct monitoring of 10 civil and 10 criminal processes in Dushanbe, Khatlon, Soghd and DRS courts where at least five cases involve a secondary legal aid advocate.
- Submit a detailed joint report in cooperation with the other CSO grantee summarizing the findings from the monitoring and provide specific recommendations for enhancing the quality and transparency of court processes and judicial decision-making.
- In cooperation with the other CSO grantee present the joint final report to relevant stakeholders, including judiciary, lawyers, advocates, and civil society organizations.
LVG Beneficiaries
- People of Tajikistan seeking access to justice in courts of Tajikistan
Target Locations
- Dushanbe
- Khatlon
- Sughd
- DRS
Eligibility Criteria
- A CSO legally registered in Tajikistan;
- At least 5 years of experience in access to justice and human rights issues;
- This should be demonstrated through past projects, initiatives, or research activities that are listed in detail in the Application.
- Evidence of previous successes in influencing policy change or promoting legal
- reforms related to access to justice and human rights is an advantage.
- Availability of technical and administrative capacity at the national level, office, personnel, office equipment, etc. is required;
- Experience of cooperation with governmental agencies, international organizations and development partners in the field of rule of law, human rights and access to justice is required,
- Written recommendations from such organizations should be provided.
- Demonstrated experience in conducting trial monitoring including by having attended previous trainings on trial monitoring, proved by relevant report is desired.
For more information, visit UNDP.