Sarajevo, May 16, 2008 - The U.S. Government, through the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), is pleased to announce that 22 new courts from throughout BiH will join a USAID-supported program to implement European standards at these courts.  USAID Mission Director Jane Nandy and President of the BiH High Judiciary and Prosecutorial Council (HJPC) Branko Peric will sign a declaration to mark the beginning of the cooperation.  The signing ceremony will take place on Monday, May 19, 2008, at 1 p.m., at the HJPC’s premises at the BiH Court in Sarajevo.  All media are invited to attend.

USAID’s Justice Sector Development Project (JSDP), in partnership with HJPC, developed the Model Courts Standards Program.  The aim is to reach European standards in local courts through a set of measurable, qualitative performance standards.  These standards are individually tailored for the courts.  They include access to open hearings and court information, internal organization and communication, and case, archive and performance management.   To date, JSDP assisted 17 model courts in BiH to introduce reform activities.  By implementing European standards, a total of 39 courts will be able to operate faster and serve people more effectively.   

            JSDP is a five-year initiative launched to enhance the capacity of the justice system to maintain and strengthen the rule of law in BiH.  To date, the U.S. Government, through USAID, has provided over $1 billion in assistance to support economic, democratic and social progress in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Last updated  on:12/01/2008

Links  |  Contact Us  |  Search