Fafo-rapport 345

Lena C. Endresen, Arild Schou and Per Stadig

Norwegian Support to Palestinian Civil Society and the Rule of Law

A review

ISBN 82-7422-324-1
2000 72 p NOK 150,- Order no: 345 Order

Web edition (pdf - 2MB ) * More publications on this subject

This review recommends future directions for Norwegian support to civil society and the rule of law in the Palestinian Territory. Assessing the current situation in the area it reviews recent initiatives undertaken by other bilateral and multilateral donors focusing both on the application of legal principles in Palestinian institutions, and conditions for the Palestinian non-governmental sector. The report identifies segments of civil society instrumental in the promotion of the rule of law, and outlines key considerations that should serve as guidelines for future support.

Contents

Preface 5
Abbreviations and acronyms 6
Executive summary 7

1 Background, objective and mandate of review

2 From protracted conflict to protracted peace process

3 Norwegian support to the Palestinian Territory
Assistance through NORAD
Assistance through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs

4 Rule of law in the Palestinian Territory
Drafting and ratification of laws
The civil courts

5 Civil society
The Palestinian NGO sector
Institutional framework and conditions for the Palestinian NGO sector
Palestinian media sector
Civil Society Organisations relevant to promoting the rule of law

6 Other donor initiatives
The World Bank
Denmark
The International Commission of Jurists
United States Agency for International Development
The European Commission
Considerable donor interest

7 Needs and options for Norwegian support
Considerations for Norwegian donor involvement
Long-term but flexible approach
Holistic/integrated approach
Co-ordination to avoid unnecessary duplication
Support to disadvantaged groups
Monitoring and managing support

8 Recommendations
1. Building the capacity of judicial organisations and HROs
2. Training
3. Enhancing own capacity

Appendix 1 Terms of Reference
Appendix 2 List of contacts
Appendix 3 References
Appendix 4 Draft/Proposed Laws in the Palestinian Territory