BACKGROUND

The Constituencies for Judicial Reform in Serbia project is a three-year, $1.2 million initiative to strengthen citizens' confidence in their judicial institutions by improving communication between citizens and the judiciary. The project is implemented by a coalition of 12 prominent professional associations and Civil Society Organizations that partner with 15 Basic Courts in Serbia. 

ACTIVITIES

• Facilitating and encouraging citizen engagement in local communities by establishing communication between citizens and representatives of the judiciary.. By acquiring a better understanding of the judicial system, citizens can better understand and realize their rights. Various communications tools are used to reach targeted audiences according to their learning preferences based on social structure, age, and education levels. Tools range from digital platforms to printed and video materials as well as local council meetings in 15 cities and municipalities.
• Supporting Civil Society monitoring to identify citizen priorities and needs in relation to judicial reforms. By conducting research and interactions with citizens, priorities for judicial reform are identified for inclusion in future strategic planning. The project is planning to develop and disseminate three comprehensive reports to further advance public advocacy and policy design.
• Using citizen-oriented tools to allow the public to contribute to the accountability and integrity of the judiciary. In consultation with citizens, standards for Integrity Plans will be improved to serve as anti-corruption mechanisms in courts and Public Prosecutors Offices. In addition, procedures for citizens to file complaints will be made more accessible and transparent

RESULTS

• Developed a digital platform, Otvorena vrata pravosuđa (Gateway to Justice), for online communication between judiciary representatives and citizens (with professional blog posts, citizen-friendly guides, and info-graphics).
• Initiated Local council meetings at basic courts, which will be held in 15 municipalities in Serbia and serve as a mechanism for interactive communication between courts and citizens. 
• Developed a draft of the Monitoring Methodology for Judicial Reform, with mapped initiatives.

Project funded by:

U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID/Serbia)

Project implemented by:

Lawyers' Committee for Human Rights (YUCOM);

European Policy Centre, Association of Public Prosecutors and Deputy Public Prosecutors of Serbia, CHRIS Network, Judges’ Association of Serbia, Transparency Serbia, Belgrade Centre for Human Rights, Partners for Democratic Change Serbia, Belgrade Centre for Security Policy, CEPRIS, People’s Parliament Leskovac, Forum of Judges of Serbia.

Key counterparts:

High Court Council;

Supreme Court of Cassation;

15 Basic Courts

Where we work:

Serbia

Total amount:

$1,259,744.20

Project duration:

January 2019 - January 2022

Contact:

4 Kneza Milosa St., 11000, Belgrade,

E-mail:  office@yucom.org.rs

Website: www.yucom.org.rs

PRINTABLE VERSION OF CONSTITUENCIES FOR JUDICIAL REFORM ACTIVITY FACT SHEET