civil society
Civic participation is essential for a democratic, well-governed state to respond to its citizens’ needs and expectations. These efforts seek to increase broad-based support for a two-state solution and build momentum for peace.
USAID Assistance
USAID assistance is directed at community levels to increase citizen participation through mobilization of key populations including youth, women, and other groups, and assist emerging leaders to establish grassroots credibility. USAID seeks to expand opportunities for Palestinian citizens to communicate their expectations of democratic governance, strengthen civil society organizations and independent institutions, and provide capacity development and training to Palestinian NGOs. The civic engagement program also enables USAID to respond to emerging USG priorities, including promotion of the on-going peace process and continued support to Palestinian leaders.
Latest Results
Since its inception, the civic engagement program has funded 154 grants valued at $8.5 million to local civil society organizations and emerging leaders in West Bank and Gaza. The program continues its support to civil society organizations, emerging leaders, and selected government institutions in order to strengthen their capacity to deliver basic services to citizens and constituencies.
LOCAL GOVERNMENT
Sector Description
The viability of a future democratic Palestinian state requires that local government leaders be effective in their delivery of basic services and enable citizens to actively participate in the political process.
USAID Assistance
USAID’s local government program supports more effective local governance and improved responsiveness to citizens’ needs by building the institutional capacity to operate in a more accountable, transparent, participatory, and democratic manner; fostering communication with community stakeholders; and improving the efficacy of the service delivery systems to citizens.
USAID is assisting approximately 44 local government units in the West Bank and Gaza to increase the ability of local officials to provide basic services to their constituents. USAID encourages the participation of Palestinians in political processes and promotes active cooperation between elected officials and their constituents. USAID also works with local government officials, their constituents, and civil society leaders to improve decentralized local governance in Palestinian communities.
Latest Results
Approximately 41 communities have already developed action plans based on a full needs assessment of management and service delivery systems. Up to 200 local government officials and their staff are being trained in areas including financial systems, budgeting, physical and strategic planning, maintenance and operations, project design, procurement, community outreach, and administration. Local service delivery will be improved through completion of approximately 45 community projects benefiting around 500,000 citizens. Up to 40 local action committees representing civil society and community-based organizations are being formed in partner communities and trained in local government oversight and support.
media
Sector Description
Increased media freedom and access to information are integral components to Palestinian emerging democracy. The media sector in West Bank and Gaza faces major challenges, including the unpredictable effects of an unstable political environment, a weak regulatory environment, and competition with international media outlets. Despite these challenges, the Palestinian media sector has proven to be both highly adaptable and fertile ground for the development of pluralistic-independent media.
USAID Assistance
USAID’s independent media program focuses on the development of broadcast media in support of two main objectives: 1) increased media coverage of local news, and 2) improved citizen awareness of and involvement in community-level issues.
Latest Results
The media program has provided extensive training to Palestinian television and radio stations on business plan development and sales and marketing, benefiting a total of 28 television and 20 radio stations. Since then, each station has introduced internal financial procedures and completed business plans. The program has also provided on-the-job training to 16 radio and eight television stations in topics including writing, reporting, creating mini-features, storyboard creation, research, interviewing, and camera work. A total of 53 journalists benefited from the training. As a result, more stations are beginning to air local stories, such as reports on inefficiencies in the public transportation systems or the impact of the economic situation on the souvenir market in Bethlehem. The program has also awarded 11 production grants valued at $300,000 to support a total of 21 new productions.
RULE OF LAW
Sector Description
For a future Palestinian state to be established as a democracy, it must be based on the principle of rule-of-law under which all persons, institutions and entities, public and private, are accountable to laws that are publicly promulgated, equally enforced, and independently adjudicated. A strong judiciary, buttressed by an acceptance of the rule of law, is essential to promoting respect for human rights and addressing corruption.
USAID Assistance
USAID promotes the rule of law in the West Bank and Gaza through technical and advisory support to the Supreme Judicial Council, Ministry of Justice, Attorney General, and related bodies. USAID also seeks to strengthen the enforcement of laws and court decisions and to build the capacity of legal professionals and related non-governmental institutions as a foundation for reform and respect for human rights. In addition, USAID is helping to upgrade the capacity of Palestinian courts and improve service delivery.
Latest Results
The USAID rule of law program improved the service delivery system of the Department of the Notary Public in Nablus and Ramallah, which certifies documents related to land transactions, sale and mortgage of vehicles, general powers of attorney, and loan agreements. Up to 3,000 clients per month will directly benefit from improved customer service, which will help address the lack of overall confidence in the justice sector by demonstrating tangible results that will be felt by the general population. The project will be replicated in other notaries public. Working with justice sector stakeholders, the program also developed the legal framework for the Judicial Training Institute.
CONFLICT MANAGEMENT AND MITIGATION
Sector Description
USAID’s reconciliation programs, funded through the Office of Conflict Management and Mitigation within USAID’s Bureau for Democracy, Conflict and Humanitarian Assistance, are part of a worldwide effort to bring together individuals of different ethnic, religious, or political backgrounds from areas of conflict in order to address the root causes of tension and instability.
USAID Assistance
USAID West Bank/Gaza reconciliation programs aim to bring together people and communities representing all aspects of society to address the underlying issues beneath the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Latest Results
USAID programs in the area of conflict management and mitigation include training for lawyers, mental health professionals, and urban planners; public education, dialogue, and networking opportunities among Israelis and Palestinians; joint Israeli-Palestinian environmental activities; and the production of an Israel-Palestinian drama series.
ELECTIONS SUPPORT
Sector Description
The Electoral Assistance Program seeks to strengthen the development of an independent and effective Palestinian electoral authority operating under a clear legal mandate.
USAID Assistance
USAID is assisting the Central Elections Commission (CEC), an independent body established in accordance with the 1995 Election Law. Activities include technical assistance to the CEC to strengthen its institutional capacity to convene free and fair elections.
Latest Results
USAID, in partnership with the international community, has helped the CEC establish itself as a credible electoral institution.
