ABA Rule of Law Initiative News

Individual Donor Provides Scholarships to Female Congolese Law Students

Tue, 24 Jan 2011 13:56:19 GMT

Thanks to the support of an individual donor, the ABA Rule of Law Initiative (ABA ROLI) began a scholarship program for female Congolese law students in October 2011. After viewing the mini-documentary about ABA ROLI's work in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), the donor was moved to give to ABA ROLI, with the express intent of providing scholarships to female law students.

Street Law Program Helps Unite Multi-Ethnic Communities

Tue, 24 Jan 2011 13:56:19 GMT

Gulipa Kozhogulova is a resident of Yuzhny neighborhood in the southern city of Osh, Kyrgyzstan. A retired artist and chair of the Female Council of her neighborhood, she is fully engaged in raising her grandchildren. Her neighborhood is a community of low-income families with some daunting challenges.

Defense Attorneys in Kyrgyzstan Attend Workshops on Their Safety and Protection

Tue, 24 Jan 2011 13:56:19 GMT

Since the June 2010 ethnic violence, attorneys in Kyrgyzstan have increasingly become the target of threats and physical attacks for representing politically unpopular defendants. Pressure on advocates by law enforcement officials has become a serious problem, with many advocates having been arrested and suffered premeditated violence.

More than 400 Tajikistani Law Enforcement Officers Trained on Criminal Procedure Code

Tue, 24 Jan 2011 13:56:19 GMT

From June to November 2011, the ABA Rule of Law Initiative (ABA ROLI) trained 437 Tajikistani law enforcement officers on the country's Criminal Procedure Code (CPC). The nationwide trainings focused on increasing trainees' knowledge of the code, which was adopted in April 2010, and on equipping participants with the practical skills they need to better implement it.

Aspiring Tajikistani Journalists Trained in Investigative Reporting

Tue, 24 Jan 2011 13:56:19 GMT

To strengthen journalists' role in providing accurate and comprehensive information about and increasing public awareness of the rule of law, the ABA Rule of Law Initiative (ABA ROLI) organized an October 31 to November 2, 2011 workshop on investigative reporting for 11 aspiring Tajikistani reporters.

Belizean Police Prosecutors Trained in Trial Skills and Rules of Evidence

Tue, 17 Jan 2012 13:56:19 GMT

In most countries, when a uniformed police officer enters a criminal courtroom he does so as a witness. But in the small Central American country of Belize, police corporals, sergeants and inspectors also serve as prosecutors. This is a practice that Belize inherited from the British and although the United Kingdom has long abandoned the method, police prosecutors remain an integral part of Belize's criminal justice system.

Libertas Releases Findings of its Study of Post-Automated-Election Disputes

Tue, 17 Jan 2012 13:56:19 GMT

In anticipation of disputes related to the first nationwide automated elections in 2010 in Philippines, the ABA Rule of Law Initiative, through its subgrantee Libertas, worked with courts to prepare judges for potential litigation, including by developing a primer for judges and lawyers on the automated election rules.

Asia-Pacific Anti-Corruption Conference Emphasizes Multi-Dimensional Approach

Tue, 17 Jan 2012 13:56:19 GMT

From September 28– 29, 2011, Mary Greer, ABA Rule of Law Initiative senior criminal law advisor, representing ABA ROLI's regional anti-corruption advisor in Asia, attended the seventh conference of the Asia-Pacific anti-corruption initiative.

Chinese Legislators, Advocates Examine Domestic Violence Legislation and Its Implementation in the U.S.

Tue, 17 Jan 2012 13:56:19 GMT

From November 8– 16, 2011, the ABA Rule of Law Initiative, in partnership with UNICEF, brought a 10-person Chinese delegation on a study tour to Washington, DC, and Boston, Massachusetts

Malian Program to Combat Descent-Based Slavery Gains Momentum

Wed, 04 Jan 2012 13:56:19 GMT

Ouleymatou*, a Malian woman who lived the majority of her life as a slave, describes how she was inherited by her master when his mother died. She lived in her master’s camp, herding his camels and doing other menial chores without compensation. When she had children, they were viewed as being born into servitude, and were eventually taken from her and given to members of her master’s family.

ABA ROLI Re-Launches Its Uganda Program to Continue the Fight Against Human Trafficking

Wed, 04 Jan 2012 13:56:19 GMT

Human trafficking is a long-standing problem in Uganda that has affected tens of thousands of people. Trafficking victims are sold to, or abducted by, traffickers and exploited as sex workers and laborers.

Third Annual Asia-Pacific Symposium Discusses Regional and Inter-Regional Corruption, Illicit Trade

Wed, 04 Jan 2012 13:56:19 GMT

Since 2009, several Asia-Pacific economies, along with the 21 Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) members, have convened at the annual Trans-Pacific symposium on dismantling illicit transnational networks to discuss best practices to combat illicit trade and criminal activity in the Asia-Pacific region.

Ukrainian Investigators Learn New Techniques to Combat Cyber Crime

Wed, 04 Jan 2012 13:56:19 GMT

In late November, the ABA Rule of Law Initiative (ABA ROLI) offered two trainings on cyber crime investigation to 28 Ukrainian investigators.

Newly Accredited Online Education Expands Professional-Development Opportunities for Lawyers

Wed, 04 Jan 2012 13:56:19 GMT

In November, Ukraine’s Higher Qualification Commission of Advocates accredited a distance learning program for lawyers. Supported by the ABA Rule of Law Initiative (ABA ROLI), the newly introduced program will create more continuing legal education (CLE) opportunities for lawyers, especially for those in remote areas.

Criminal Law Encyclopedia Published in Moldova

Wed, 04 Jan 2012 13:56:19 GMT

While Moldova amended its Criminal Code in 2009, legal professionals did not have a resource providing comprehensive analysis of the updated code.

Guatemalan Prosecutors, Police Trained in Oral Trial Skills

Tue, 13 Dec 2011 13:56:19 GMT

In the midst of a bloody conflict that claimed the lives of more than 400,000 citizens and seriously jeopardized Guatemala's democratic institutions, the nation became one of the first in Latin America to introduce comprehensive reforms to its Criminal Procedure Code and Criminal Code in 1992 and 1994, respectively.

Trainings Promise to Enhance Legal Professionals' Contributions in Ongoing Judicial Overhaul

Tue, 13 Dec 2011 13:56:19 GMT

In an effort to address public demands to overhaul a judicial system long viewed as soft on crime, corrupt and inefficient, earlier this year, Ecuadorian President Rafael Correa initiated a complex governmental reorganization process that includes restructuring the Judicial Council, an overarching body that oversees all judicial operators.

Revamped Criminal Justice System Good News to Victims, Defendants and Courts

Tue, 13 Dec 2011 13:56:19 GMT

Fernando, a 24-year-old college student and resident of Veraguas Province in Panama, acted impulsively after a night of drinking. An unattended motorcycle caught his attention, and without thinking, he decided to take the vehicle for a weekend of fun. Fernando's plan ended abruptly when police officers stopped him for a routine traffic violation the next day.

Bahraini Prosecutors Trained on Anti-Money Laundering Cases

Tue, 13 Dec 2011 13:56:19 GMT

In cooperation with the Bahraini Public Prosecutor's Office and the Bahraini Judicial and Legal Studies Institute, the ABA Rule of Law Initiative (ABA ROLI) hosted a training on asset forfeiture and anti-money laundering for approximately 20 Bahraini prosecutors from October 23-24 in Manama.

Morocco's Anti-Corruption Agency Hosts High Profile International Events

Tue, 13 Dec 2011 13:56:19 GMT

In late October, the Instance Centrale de la Prevention de la Corruption (ICPC), Morocco's anti-corruption agency, hosted two high profile anti-corruption events in Marrakech.

Interactive Teaching Techniques Make an Impact in Egyptian Law Schools

Tue, 13 Dec 2011 13:56:19 GMT

Until a few months ago, Egyptian public international law professor Dr. Salwa El-Ekiaby routinely felt mentally and physically exhausted. Between her courses at Benha University and those at Zagazig University, she taught more than 1,000 students.

Anti-Money Laundering Prosecutorial Training Held in the United Arab Emirates

Tue, 13 Dec 2011 13:56:19 GMT

In cooperation with the United Arab Emirates' (UAE's) Ministry of Justice, the ABA Rule of Law Initiative (ABA ROLI) hosted a training on asset forfeiture and anti-money laundering for approximately 20 Emirati prosecutors on October 27 in Dubai.

Media Rights Institute of Azerbaijan Publishes a Media Law Manual

Tue, 06 Dec 2011 13:56:19 GMT

Central Asian Lawyers Trained in International Human Rights Law

Tue, 06 Dec 2011 13:56:19 GMT

Video: Good Morning America Anchor Takes Part in our Tajikistan Program

Tue, 06 Dec 2011 13:56:19 GMT

Anti-Human Trafficking Training Prepares Activists for the Challenges Ahead

Tue, 06 Dec 2011 13:56:19 GMT

Case Monitoring System Strengthens Local Courts' Transparency and Accountability

Tue, 06 Dec 2011 13:56:19 GMT

ABA ROLI Launches a Program in Papua New Guinea

Tue, 06 Dec 2011 13:56:19 GMT

Exchange Program Helps Strengthen Ties Between Vietnamese and American Lawyers

Tue, 06 Dec 2011 13:56:19 GMT

Liberia's New Magistrates Are Committed to Increasing Public Confidence in the Judiciary

Tue, 06 Dec 2011 13:56:19 GMT

Asset Forfeiture Forum Bares Gaps on Anti-Corruption Enforcement in the Philippines, Inspires Support from Stakeholders

Tue, 06 Dec 2011 13:56:19 GMT

Exchange Program to Allow American and Pacific Women's Rights Advocates to Exchange Experiences, Forge Links

Mon, 14 Nov 2011 13:56:19 GMT

The ABA Rule of Law Initiative will partner with the University of the South Pacific to host an exchange program in 2012 for 24 young legal professionals. Employing a legal empowerment approach, the program will focus on enhancing participants' skills to advocate for and provide legal services to women.

Mentoring Program to Help Young Judges Hone Their Skills

Mon, 14 Nov 2011 13:56:19 GMT

On September 28, the ABA Rule of Law Initiative and the Arab Women's Legal Network launched a mentoring program for newly appointed women judges in Jordan.

Capacity-Building Program for Bahraini Judges, Lawyers and Prosecutors Launched

Mon, 14 Nov 2011 13:56:19 GMT

In 2011, the ABA Rule of Law Initiative launched a program that continues previous work to build practical and professional skills among Bahraini judges, lawyers and prosecutors.

Morocco Approves Landmark Witness and Whistleblower Protection Law

Mon, 14 Nov 2011 13:56:19 GMT

In early October, the Moroccan parliament passed a landmark law to protect trial witnesses and experts, as well as whistleblowers who report corruption.

Trainings Encourage Entrepreneurialism in Turkmenistan

Mon, 31 Oct 2011 13:56:19 GMT

Michelle Bachelet Receives 2011 Rule of Law Award

Mon, 31 Oct 2011 13:56:19 GMT

ABA ROLI Strives to Address Wider Women’s Rights Issues in the Democratic Republic of Congo

Mon, 31 Oct 2011 13:56:19 GMT

Chinese Environmental NGOs Coordinate to Hone Advocacy Strategies

Mon, 31 Oct 2011 13:56:19 GMT

ABA ROLI, Tunisian Bar Association Work for Fair and Transparent Elections

Mon, 31 Oct 2011 13:56:19 GMT

Photo Story: The Tunisian Bar Association and ABA ROLI Partner to Support Tunisian Elections

Mon, 31 Oct 2011 13:56:19 GMT

Cross-Institutional Training Encourages Coordination Between Haiti’s Magistrate School and the National Police Academy

Mon, 31 Oct 2011 13:56:19 GMT

Anti-Slavery Program Launched in Mali

Fri, 01 July 2011 13:56:19 GMT

More than 100 Malian government and civil society representatives attended a May 21 conference in Bamako that launched the ABA Rule of Law Initiative's (ABA ROLI's) program to combat descent-based, or hereditary, slavery. ABA ROLI is partnering with the Malian anti-slavery organization Temedt to combat this practice by operating a legal clinic, by offering psychological and vocational assistance to victims and by conducting community outreach to raise awareness of the problem.

ABA ROLI Ramps Up Trainings for Law Students and Practicing Attorneys in Ecuador

Fri, 01 July 2011 13:56:19 GMT

While Ecuador's transition from an inquisitorial to an adversarial justice system is steadily progressing, the lack of standardized curricula in law schools threatens to undermine the education of future attorneys. Moreover, a substantial number of practicing attorneys have never received adequate training on the system.

Young Lawyers Spearhead Fight Against Corruption in Morocco

Fri, 01 July 2011 13:56:19 GMT

For years, lawyers in Morocco have been working to fight the country's endemic corruption. In support of their efforts, the ABA Rule of Law Initiative (ABA ROLI) partnered with the Rabat Union of Young Lawyers to open an anti-corruption legal advocacy center (ALAC) in 2010. Staffed by four energetic young lawyers, the Rabat ALAC provides advice and counsel to Moroccan citizens who voice concerns about corruption. The center has assisted dozens of clients on issues ranging from public officials soliciting bribes to citizen harassment by law enforcement

Center for the Stateless and Refugees Participates in Beirut Civil Society Event

Fri, 01 July 2011 13:56:19 GMT

On June 12, the Danish Embassy in Beirut sponsored a civil society day as part of its week-long Carstein Niebuhr Danish Cultural Week. Sixteen non-governmental organizations and approximately 200 attendees participated in the event. The Northern Lebanon Public Service Center (NLPSC), which is based in Tripoli and supported by the ABA Rule of Law Initiative (ABA ROLI), set up an exhibit that included posters from NLPSC's stateless and refugee unit, as well as pamphlets on ABA ROLI's anti-corruption work in Lebanon.

Philippine Prosecutors Participate in an Ethics Training

Fri, 01 July 2011 13:56:19 GMT

In the Philippines, public prosecutors are charged with investigating and prosecuting criminal acts. This mandate often entails uniquely difficult ethical dilemmas, which include conflict-of-interest issues, the acceptance of gifts, partiality, handling confidential information and the general abuse of the powers.

University-Level Curriculum to Strengthen Russian Anti-Corruption Efforts

Fri, 01 July 2011 13:56:19 GMT

Corruption is a systemic problem in the Russian Federation and continues to be a major obstacle for advancing the rule of law and democracy in the country. Despite federal-level efforts to combat the issue, corruption remains a challenge in Russia. In July 2008, Russian President Dmitry Medvedev identified corruption as a threat to Russian security, committing his government to legislative overhaul and institutional reform to combat the crime.

Young Lawyers Trained on the European Court of Human Rights

Fri, 01 July 2011 13:56:19 GMT

Azerbaijan has had a flurry of arrests and subsequent releases of bloggers and journalists recently, with the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) playing a pivotal role in the resolution of some of the cases. As the ECHR serves as an important vehicle for Azerbaijani lawyers to seek justice for their clients once all domestic remedies have been exhausted, it is imperative that those lawyers be familiar with ECHR protocol. To help prepare Azerbaijani lawyers to discharge this task effectively, the ABA Rule of Law Initiative (ABA ROLI) trained 32 individuals in a seven-week program in April and May. The training builds participants' capacity to properly submit applications to the ECHR and to respond to the most common human rights violations in Azerbaijan.

Video: Gender Equality through Strategic Litigation in Tajikistan

Fri, 01 July 2011 13:56:19 GMT

Under a project funded by the U.S. Department of State's Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights and Labor, the ABA Rule of Law Initiative has produced three public service announcements (PSAs) to raise public awareness about women's rights in Tajikistan. The PSAs address important women's issues, such as the importance of registering a marriage, applying for child support and the practice of underage marriage.

Automated System Promises Enhanced Case Reporting for Small Claims Courts