We seek to assist in the design, development and evaluation of human rights based initiatives that promote and protect universally agreed standards. Our work covers many different aspects of the legal sector including judicial training, the operation of courts, the police, prisons and probation services.
In Sierra Leone a DFID funded Justice Sector Development Project managed by the British Council is developing an effective and accountable justice sector to meet the needs of the poor and vulnerable. The purpose of the programme is to “support the development of an effective and accountable justice sector that is capable of meeting the needs and interests of the people of Sierra Leone, particularly the poor, the vulnerable and the marginalised”. The British Council is working with the Government of Sierra Leone and civil society organisations to improve access to justice for the poor; enhance respect for human rights; increase the empowerment of women; and strengthen the participation of civil society.
The JSDP has adopted an integrated sector wide approach which spans the police, the judiciary, the legal sector, courts and prisons, as well as customary justice and informal sectors. It has enabled in-depth relationships with key decision- makers , including the President, Ministers and traditional rulers. 'What we need is sensitisation, advocacy and education ….. A lack of cultural understanding can undermine and cause failure of the project. ….You are very unusual in having the right approach ' (Inspector General, Police Service, Sierra Leone)
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