MEDIA RELEASE
Released By:
Downer
I am pleased to announce the launch of the Vanuatu Legal Sector Strengthening
Project.
A strong legal system is essential for ensuring access to justice, effective
government and a strong economy and this project will go a long way towards
achieving that aim. At present the legal system in Vanuatu is under pressure and
it is widely agreed it is not currently meeting the needs of the government or
the citizens of Vanuatu.
The difficulties facing the Vanuatu legal system stem from a number of
historical, cultural and economic factors. Legislation and case law in Vanuatu
are currently incomplete and difficult to access, government law offices are
housed in cramped or insecure premises and low salaries have led to high staff
turnover. In addition, the legal system itself has a number of complexities,
including an inherited mixture of French, English and customary law and having
to accommodate at least three different languages.
Under the $2.4 million project launched today, Australia's overseas aid
program will fund the New South Wales Attorney General's Department to provide
advisers to address areas such as case management and tracking, improving
organisational and administrative skills and sharing expertise. Other activities
in the Legal Sector Strengthening Project will include assisting the Government
of Vanuatu to address the need for new or improved premises, the purchase of
computers and training for staff.
The project was preceded by an interim phase that commenced in 1997. Total
Australian assistance for the period 1997 - 2002 is estimated at $3.5 million.
The program is already showing considerable signs of success in the interim
phase, with the drafting of reform-based legislation and a reduction of
processing time for cases within the Public Prosecutors Office.
In addition to the Legal Sector Strengthening Project, Australia has provided
considerable assistance to the legal sector through its Youth Ambassadors
program. Lawyers who have volunteered their services through the Youth
Ambassadors program have saved the Vanuatu Government an estimated $9 million in
litigation damages.
Media contacts: Matt Francis (Ministerial) 02 6277 7500 / 0419 206
890
Fionna Douglas (AusAID) 02 6202 4960 / 0417 683 767
Greg Clough (AusAID) 02 6206 4220 / 0417 683
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