Strengthen Rule of Law

The concept of rule of law is vital in ensuring a socially just society, and without a transparent, effective, and responsive judiciary, positive outcomes are impossible. In addition, for an effective judiciary, the people must have unimpeded access to justice. The concept of access to justice has been expanded to include the provision of adequate knowledge, legal aid, and rights-based awareness, which in concert result in both long and short-term benefits to the individual and to societies. To help materialize the concept of rule of law, Strengthen Rule of Law (project period April 2008 to March 2009 in the first phase and then extended to October 2009) in the support of TAF has been launched to provide justice to society's most vulnerable groups hitherto left out in the justice system, by expanding the public defense system and institutionalizing legal aid.

Court-annexed mediation has been introduced into three district courts, Kavrepalanchok, Lalitpur and Dolakha, Supreme Court and Patan Appellate Court. However, on CeLRRd's part, it is just three courts. It conducted feasibility study of the district courts; provided orientations for courts staffs and other concerned stakeholders of the respective courts. It was again followed by the opening of a court-annexed mediation center. Henceforth, it has been providing logistic support to 3 new and 1 existing (Patan Appellate court) mediation centers. Besides, a manual on court-annexed/ referred mediation has also been developed and published. Regular monitoring on the performance of the mediation centers of the courts has also been an integral component of the programme.

In the extended period, SROL undertakes the following responsibilities :

1. Maintain operations at the four centers, including provision of transportation for the mediators, and supplies, and also compile a list of mediation awards for staffs and mediators' reference
2. Design and develop advanced mediation training manual in coordination with the NJA
3. 5 orientation workshops for mediators and stakeholders of the Supreme Court, Patan Appellate Court and concerned District Courts
4. Lead other partner NGOs with specialized technical skills and local knowledge to serve on a committee dedicated to fostering linkages and coordination between various service providers, raising awareness about the need for further sustainable public and private investment in legal aid services, and ensuring the effective delivery of existing services.