International Rule of Law Technical Assistance Service

July 2004 - July 2009

In many states with weak or nascent democratic traditions and underdeveloped economies, the processes and institutions which are necessary to uphold rule of law are incompletely evolved, ineffective or may not even exist. When these conditions prevail, neither rule of law, democratic reform nor sustainable development can be achieved. The Office of Democracy and Governance has issued the Rule of Law IQC to support the transition of the rule of law and the promotion and protection of human rights throughout the world. It will respond to challenges to the growth and sustainability of legal and judicial systems that promote rule of law consistent with respect for human rights and market based economies, commitment to legal equality, and democratic principles. Four main activities will address these objectives:

• reform of national legal and regulatory frameworks
• establishment of efficient, effective and integrated institutions to ensure the equitable and transparent administration of justice
• promoting equal access to justice
• building constituencies for reform.

The Checchi Group Consortium will also focus on areas of corruption, legal training and education, women's legal rights and decentralization.

Pact's approach

As a member of the Checchi Group's consortium, Pact will serve as a lead in implementing the task orders calling for human rights and grassroots level alternative dispute resolution, and for assistance with training, social science research, grant program management, and building constituencies for reform.

Pact's approach includes cutting-edge capacity assessment methodologies, participation and empowerment strategies, results-based training, knowledge management systems, creative partnerships, and networking.