IIJD - Programs and Initiatives - The Justice Program at the IIJD

Programs and Initiatives

About the Justice Program:

The problems of poverty, development crisis and aid ineffectiveness in Africa are clearly linked to the particularly difficult development environment in the region and the faulty policies and weak institutions common in many African countries. Through the Justice Program, the IIJD addresses the need for systemic institutional change. We place special emphasis on the development of fair legal frameworks and the creation of transparent, independent justice systems. Our goal is to create the institutional space at the top necessary for development efforts that effect lasting change.

Benjamin Ngachoko, the President and CEO of the IIJD, has often been quoted saying, "Without a transparent, independent, strong, and reliable justice system, it is impossible to provide a just and trusted environment for business, research, and human development." It is then our goal as an organization to fervently work towards these goals; enabling children like the ones pictured here to one day – when they are old enough - get on their feet and lead a productive and joyful adulthood.

Through the Justice Program, the IIJD addresses the need for systemic institutional change. We place special emphasis on the development of free and fair legal institutions and the creation of transparent, independent, reliable and accessible justice systems. The IIJD Justice Program is designed to develop judicial systems that protect citizens’ rights, guarantee accountability, ensure transparency and honesty in government and enterprise, and provide confidence and consistency for domestic and foreign investors. Dedicated to investigating and developing solutions to fundamental institutional weaknesses, The IIJD is firmly committed to promoting a transition to good governance and development by strengthening the rule of law.

The IIJD Justice Program has two conceptual branches:

	International Justice Initiative

The International Justice Initiative compliments the efforts being done internally by the Justice System Reform Initiative. Through this initiative, The IIJD seeks to (1)-strengthen the international legal system; (2)- increase the international community’s awareness of injustices in economic exchange and violations of basic human rights, propose solutions, and stimulate action (3)-raise awareness about the international legal systems, the breaches of justice and the promotion of the rule of law around the world (3)- advocate for Universal Jurisdiction to end impunity in order to prevent crimes against humanity.
The IIJD also promotes and advocates fairness and ethical standards of behavior in international monetary and trade transactions and relations. An increased global awareness and investment in Justice System Reforms are instrumental to security for a more humane, just, safer and better world.

	Justice System Reform Initiative

Through the Justice System Initiative, the IIJD seeks to tackle the root causes of poverty and development crisis in Africa by dismantling systemic barriers and addressing those institutional weaknesses that create an environment of corruption, exclusion, repression and economic stagnation. The Justice System Reform Initiative is designed to (1)-reform the institutions of governance; (2)-establish independent judiciaries and facilitate transparent administration of the courts; (3)- facilitate access to justice systems and increase people’s trust in justice institutions; to promote judicial independence, impartiality/fairness, accessibility, efficiency, transparency, accountability, predictability, and legitimacy and the rule of law; and (4)- strengthen justice systems to protect individual rights, advance democracy, guarantee transparency and accountability, and provide confidence and trust for all.