Rule of Law and Human Rights
Fair, Accountable, Independent and Responsible (FAIR) Judiciary Program for Ukraine
The FAIR program supports the development and implementation of key judicial reform legislation, while also providing targeted technical assistance to improve judicial policies and procedures that promote a more effective, accountable and transparent judiciary. The Program will strengthen public trust and confidence through work with civil society organizations to enhance public and media awareness of and involvement in the judicial reform process. These activities will help reduce opportunities for corruption in the judicial system and advance the ability of the judiciary to comply with international and European standards. Program activities will be implemented in close cooperation with key Ukrainian partners, including the National Commission for Strengthening Democracy and the Rule of Law, relevant Verkhovna Rada committees, the Ministry of Justice, the Supreme Court, the State Judicial Administration, the High Qualifications Commission, the Council of Judges, the National School of Judges, the High Administrative Court, the High Council of Justice, and the National Independent Judicial Association, as well as a variety of civil society organizations and international donors active in rule of law.
Access to Justice and Legal Empowerment (LEP) in Ukraine
USAID works to improve access to justice in the areas of employment, healthcare, and property rights by increasing the availability of pro bono legal services and the impact of legal and advocacy organizations in Ukraine. The project builds the capacity of three-tiered specialized advocacy network, which connects law school clinics, advocacy NGOs and private attorneys to provide public consultations and legal representation and runs public information campaigns about the legal rights of citizens. By operating a referral system, the project connects private sector lawyers with clients in need of legal assistance, and provides quality and timely assistance to vulnerable underrepresented groups. The LEP engages private law firms and businesses to promote the pro bono culture, and judicial officials to create a more cooperative and supportive environment for student advocates and pro bono attorneys.