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USAID PROMOTING THE RULE OF LAW PROJECT QUARTERLY REPORT: April – June 2017 USAID PROMOTING THE RULE OF LAW PROJECT QUARTERLY REPORT: April – June 2017

USAID PROMOTING THE RULE OF LAW PROJECT

QUARTERLY REPORT NO. 20: JULY - SEPTEMBER 2018

PRLP completed a Grantees Results and Networking Event in August 2018

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USAID PROMOTING THE RULE OF LAW PROJECT QUARTERLY REPORT: July - September 2018 Task Order No. AID-486-TO-13-00008 CONTRACTOR: TETRA TECH DPK DATE: October 10, 2018 This publication was produced for review by the United States Agency for International Development. It was prepared by Tetra Tech DPK. The authors’ views expressed in this publication do not necessarily reflect the views of the United States Agency for International Development or the United States Government.

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Table of Contents I. List of Acronyms ................................................................................................................. ii II. Executive Summary ............................................................................................................ 1 III. Program Activities by Objective/Component ................................................................. 2

Objective 1: Promote More Effective, Accountable, and Accessible Justice Sector Institutions ....................................................................................................................................... 2

Objective 2: Increase Legal Literacy, Access to Justice for Marginalized Populations in Target Regions/States ............................................................................................................. 12

IV. PRLP Close-out and Handover Activities…………………………………………….16

V. Grantee Legal Aid Services, and Legal Awareness and Outreach Activities .............. 17 VI. Grantee Trainings, Workshops, and Conferences ....................................................... 18 VII. Map of PRLP Activities ............................................................................................... 19

Attachments: Attachment 1: Consultant Report, Richard Callanan Attachment 2: Consultant Report, Al Moskowitz Attachment 3: Consultant Report, Kaz Lobaza Attachment 4: Consultant Report, Cynthia Alkon Attachment 5: PRLP Grants Program Results and Achievements Report Attachment 6: USAID Snapshot: Community watch groups protect migrant workers Attachment 7: USAID Snapshot: Legal aid mobilizers support victims Attachment 8: USAID Snapshot: Modernizing the Justice Sector in Myanmar

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I. List of Acronyms A2JI Access to Justice Initiative ACMS Automated Case Management System ACC Anti-Corruption Commission ACMS Automated Case Management System CEDAW Convention on the Elimination of all Forms of Discrimination Against Women CMP Case Management Plan COP Chief of Party COR Contracting Officer’s Representative CSO Civil Society Organization CWG Community Watch Group DCOP Deputy Chief of Party ICT Information and Communications Technology IEC Information, Education, and Communication ILAM Independent Lawyers’ Association of Myanmar IT Information Technology JSP Judicial Strategic Plan KMSS Karuna Mission Social Solidarity LAMS Legal Aide Management System LGBT Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender M&E Monitoring & Evaluation MLAA Mahawthadha Legal Aid Association MNHRC Myanmar National Human Rights Commission MP Members of Parliament NCMP National Case Management Program NGO Non-Governmental Organization OSCU Office of the Supreme Court of the Union PRLP Promoting the Rule of Law Project SCVG Social Care Volunteer Group SGBV Sexual and Gender-Based Violence SRYN Sagaing Regional Youth Network TCDN Thwee Community Development Network TIP Trafficking-in-Persons TOT Training of Trainers UAGO Union Attorney General’s Office ULAB Union Legal Aid Board US United States USAID United States Agency for International Development

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II. Executive Summary This is the final quarterly report for the USAID Promoting the Rule of Law Project (PRLP) which has focused on building more effective, accountable, and accessible justice sector institutions with activities supporting the Office of the Supreme Court of the Union (OSCU) and the courts, the Union Attorney General’s Office (UAGO) and the law offices, the Union Legal Aid Board (ULAB), and civil society. During the quarter PRLP conducted activities to finalize all deliverables, transfer project inventory, and handle all financial and administrative tasks related to the close-out process. Staff left the project on a graduated schedule during August and September. Home office personnel made field visits to support the close-out process. Achievements in each of the components during this quarter are described below: Component 1: Support the development of a Comprehensive Strategy for National Rule of Law Reform. During this quarter, PRLP supported a combination of activities that contribute to the overall enhancement of justice sector effectiveness, accountability, and accessibility in Myanmar in compliance with the OSCU Judicial Strategic Plan and UAGO pilot law office procedures. PRLP focused on the status and next steps for case management procedures and automated systems that will provide more efficient and fair services for court users in Myanmar and strengthen the capacity of the OSCU and UAGO to provide accountable justice sector services. Component 2: Enhance the Capacities of the Union Attorney General’s Office. During the quarter, PRLP provided intensive training in Nay Pyi Taw for all pilot law office attorneys and staff in how to properly conduct pretrial victim/witness interviews. PRLP also completed the physical upgrades to the three pilot law offices, delivered a model office design for law offices, and continued with the development of the automated data collection and case tracking system to ensure its expansion to other law offices. Component 3: Support to Judicial Self-Governance and Judicial Reform. This quarter marked the transition from the three-year pilot court program to the roll-out and implementation of the National Case Management Plan (NCMP). To facilitate and complete this transition, PRLP conducted an intensive two-day program with the OSCU in Nay Pyi Taw on July 17-18 led by PRLP’s case management consultant Rick Callanan. PRLP continued its support for the eight pilot courts and conducted final evaluations. The Automated Case Management System (ACMS) was installed on the new server and training was provided to IT staff. PRLP IT Consultant, Kaz Lobaza, provided hands-on training to the OSCU IT Unit in operating the server and firewall, which PRLP recently provided to the OSCU. The training centered on future support of the ACMS server and associated desktop software, including developing practical operating skills involving installation and upgrade procedures for the software and the troubleshooting of typical support issues. Component 4: Develop the capacity of civil society to engage in public policy development and advocacy. The PRLP grants program concluded with the close-out of the 4 remaining grants. PRLP continued a series of anti-corruption trainings in collaboration with the Access to Justice Initiative (A2JI) and grantees, as well as advocacy/complaint letter writing training. To promote sustainability, PRLP conducted a results and networking event for past grantees on August 10 for 70 participants. This sustainability event provided networking opportunities with other donors, a forum to share successes and challenges, and a focus on continuing and expanding successful activities. PRLP conducted a training of trainers (TOT) program on the Legal Aid Toolkit Curriculum for 24 participants representing the Independent Lawyers’ Association of Myanmar, University Law Departments and various civil society organizations to build a cadre of trainers who can improve access to justice. The PRLP Legal Aid Advisor provided technical support on the organization of the ULAB office staff, including drafting and reviewing organization charts, department roles and responsibilities, and job descriptions.

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III. Program Activities by Objective/Component Objective 1: Promote More Effective, Accountable, and Accessible Justice Sector Institutions

During this quarter, PRLP supported a combination of activities that contribute to the overall enhancement of justice sector effectiveness, accountability, and accessibility in Myanmar in compliance with the OSCU Judicial Strategic Plan and UAGO pilot law office procedures. These modern case management procedures and automated systems will provide more efficient and fair services for court users in Myanmar and strengthen the capacity of the OSCU and UAGO to provide accountable justice sector services. Drawing on the experience of the pilot courts, the OSCU developed the National Case Management Plan (NCMP) to expand new procedures to all courts. The NCMP is expanding to 18 additional courts this year bringing new case management procedures that employ pre-trial and case status hearings. These procedures have already proven effective in the pilot courts in reducing the number of hearings and shortening the time necessary to complete a case. Court users know now when their hearing will be held and can plan accordingly without the need for repeated visits to the court. The ACMS serves as a pillar to support the NCMP and ensure effective implementation of procedures and improve reporting that can inform future justice sector reforms. PRLP also continued efforts with the three UAGO pilot law offices to improve automated data collection and case assignment/management. PRLP developed this system to modernize the current paper-based

system, which include hand-written entries into multiple case registers. This system records daily case activity and organizes and stores emails from police, courts, and attorneys. In the Chan Aye Tharzan pilot law office, PRLP has tested a mobile version which collects data in real time at the courts utilizing a tablet with a wireless hotspot. The data is stored on a cloud drive and shared real time between the law officers in court, law office clerical staff, and the chief law officer. The tablet system will soon be expanded to all pilot locations. The tools from this system provide quick and organized information to the Chief Law Officer, allowing for more effective case management and oversight. PRLP also provided training on proper victim and witness interview techniques to enhance pretrial preparation procedures. Cross-cutting justice activities for improving access to justice included legal aid grants and support to the OSCU and the ULAB as they prepare to implement the recently enacted Law on Legal Aid (See Component 3 and Objective 2 below).

COMPONENT 1: SUPPORT THE

DEVELOPMENT OF A COMPREHENSIVE

STRATEGY FOR NATIONAL RULE OF

LAW REFORM

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During the quarter, PRLP provided skills training for UAGO law officers from the three pilot law offices, completed the physical upgrades to the three pilot law offices, delivered a model office design for law offices, and continued with the development of the automated data collection and case tracking systems. Pilot Law Office – Automation. PRLP continued to support the development of a customized pilot automation solution to improve the collection of daily case activity data and to improve case tracking and management efficiency. PRLP IT and case management consultants and staff visited the Char Aye Tharzan Township pilot law office in mid-July to review progress in implementation of IT applications. The Law office is in the process of testing two recently developed IT applications, including a tablet-based application for law officers and the Chief Law Officer to electronically access case information in the trial stage and an excel-based case tracking for allowing the Chief Law Officer to track incoming and outgoing mail/documents.

The IT Consultant discussed and reviewed the experience to date with the tablet-based application with the Chief and other law officers using the application on a test basis. Feedback indicated that data entry in the courtroom was difficult and that keyboards would be helpful to improve use of the tablets. The law office is researching the issue to find a tablet keyboard that is available in Myanmar language. The Chief Law Officer was satisfied with the excel program and indicated that it provided him easier access to track and respond to questions regarding incoming and outgoing case related documents and general correspondence. A briefing session was also held with UAGO leadership on July 20, 2018 to review the status of the Pilot Law Office applications and progress to date. UAGO officials had a positive response to the status applications and agreed that they should be expanded to the other pilot law offices after testing in Char Aye Thazan Law Office was completed. In addition, at the request of the USAID COR, the IT and case management consultants led a technical briefing attended by USAID and security related personnel at the U.S. Embassy during which they presented a review of the automation activities with UAGO and OSCU and discussed possible future development steps.

Pilot Law Office - Workspace Upgrades. All pilot law office upgrades were completed this quarter. The improvements provided for a more efficient utilization of the existing office space with the use of partitions, new furniture, individual work areas for the law officers and staff, meeting spaces, a public information counter, and private areas for victim and witness interviews. In addition, at the request of the UAGO, PRLP developed a model office floor plan which was presented to the UAGO Permanent Secretary on August 8th. This design provides a standard office model that could be replicated at all law offices. The floor plan is simple but adaptable to various existing physical conditions in a given structure. The floor plan contains basic elements of a well-functioning prosecutor’s office including a public information counter, individual work space for the law

COMPONENT 2: ENHANCE THE

CAPACITIES OF THE UNION ATTORNEY GENERAL’S OFFICE

PRLP IT consultant, Kaz Lobaza, and Senior Justice Program Manager, Yein Myaw met with Chan Aye Tharzan Chief Law Officer to discuss

automation issues.

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officers, conference room, a reception/waiting area, a resource/library area, an office for the chief law officer, and most significantly, a self-contained room for private meetings for interviewing victims and witnesses. The design aims to promote a more professional and efficient working environment for the law officers and staff. The interest expressed by the UAGO in developing this model design further demonstrates a forward-looking vision for Myanmar’s law officers. A well-designed office where the duties of the law officers can be properly carried out supports the recent procedural changes, especially for improving victim-witness engagement and pretrial preparation interviews.

Before/After pictures of renovated victim/witness interview room at UAGO law Office.

Practical Skills Training for Law Officers. From August 3-7, PRLP delivered intensive training in Nay Pyi Taw for all pilot law office attorneys and staff in how to properly conduct pretrial victim/witness interviews. Until recently, UAGO policy was to avoid such interactions between law officers and victims and witnesses. The training sessions, built around the UAGO approved guidelines, prepared by PRLP, on how to ethically conduct such interviews, were led by PRLP prosecution training consultant, Al Moskovitz. Prosecutor-led pretrial preparation interviews, a well-accepted practice internationally, is a new procedure for Myanmar that is gradually gaining acceptance and the pilot law offices are serving as the vanguard for introducing this important procedure. The training, provided to 30 pilot law office personnel, involved not only an intensive study of the Guidelines, reference to the Law Officers Code of Ethics (2017), and a review of contemporary international practice, but also incorporated role-playing by the participants with actors

PRLP consultant and DCOP provides practical skills training for law officers

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serving as victims during interview sessions. Particular emphasis was placed on dealing with vulnerable victims and witnesses. By introducing law officers to proper techniques for pretrial interviews of victims and witnesses, PRLP has helped the UAGO to take an important step towards increasing the law officers’ role in criminal case preparation and greater victim/witness engagement which will ultimately lead to improved adjudication and resolution of criminal cases in Myanmar.

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In addition to providing overall support to the judiciary, this quarter marked the transition from the three-year pilot court program to the roll-out and implementation of the National Case Management Plan (NCMP). PRLP continued its support for the eight pilot courts and conducted final evaluations. The Automated Case Management System (ACMS) was installed on the new server and training was provided to IT staff. National Case Management Plan - During July, PRLP supported the OSCU in completing the three-year Pilot Court Program and transition to a rapid start-up of the NCMP. Over the course of the next five years the OSCU plans for all trial courts in Myanmar to implement the case management procedures pursuant to the NCMP. Apart from the eight pilot courts (now designated as CMP Courts),

18 additional courts distributed throughout all 14 states and regions have now implemented CMP procedures. To achieve this rapid roll-out, PRLP supported the selection and training of five national CMP trainers based in Nay Pyi Taw, 14 case management coordinators at the high courts of each state/region (responsible for implementation oversight), and a cadre of local regional/state-based trainers. To facilitate and complete this transition, PRLP conducted an intensive two-day program with the OSCU in Nay Pyi Taw on July 17-18 led by PRLP’s case management consultant Rick Callanan. The first day was an evaluation workshop attended by the Director General Tin Nwe Soe, the OSCU case management committee, the national NCMP trainers, and judges from the three initial pilot courts. On the second day, Mr. Callanan led a roundtable work session attended by the Director General, the 14 regional case management coordinators, and the national trainers. Together, the two activities identified challenging areas expected to be encountered during implementation which will require special attention. Such areas include dealing with judicial staff turnover and its effect on the CMP, specific roles and duties of the regional case management coordinators and adjusting case management procedures as circumstances warrant. The OSCU, under forward-looking leadership and with USAID/PRLP support, has continued to demonstrate its commitment to fully implement the NCMP and has taken ownership in meeting the challenges that nation-wide implementation will bring. Below are more details about the two workshops: Day One Workshop – Year Three Assessment of the Initial Pilot Courts This workshop focused on an assessment of the performance results of the initial pilot courts in year three (2017-2018) and comparative results over the entire three-year pilot period of 2015-2018. The workshop was attended by the Director General of Supreme Court, members of the

COMPONENT 3: SUPPORT TO

JUDICIAL SELF-GOVERNANCE AND JUDICIAL REFORM

PRLP consultant conducts case management training.

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USCO Case Management Committee, the NCMP trainers and judges representing the three initial pilot courts. Case management performance and results of the court user surveys, which utilized the Tt DPK Q10 questionnaire, were presented and participants examined the areas of strengths, weaknesses and lessons learned through group exercises. Most importantly, the groups reviewed key problem areas faced by the pilot courts, potential causes and strategies to address the problem areas during the NCMP roll-out. Day Two Workshop – National Case Management Plan Roundtable The objective of day two was to engage the fourteen (14) new Case Management Coordinators from each High Court region, NCMP trainers, the Director General and the USCO Case Management Committee in a review of the challenges faced and to develop practical strategies to address the issues in the NCMP roll-out. Group discussion areas were developed based upon four broad areas of challenges in the implementation of the NCMP identified in the day-one workshop which included: • Training and Addressing the Impact of Judicial turnover upon the CMP • Case Management Procedures • Monitoring and Performance Management Information • Role and responsibilities of the Case Management Coordinator Discussion groups were created using a mix of CMP Coordinators, USCO Case Management Committee staff and NCMP trainers. The groups reviewed the challenges faced in detail and developed a range of strategies to incorporate into the NCMP implementation. Groups provided presentations in each area followed by questions and comments from the workshop participants. The discussions resulted in a set of strategies to be incorporated into the NCMP implementation. Pilot court implementation. Along with roll-out of the NCMP, PRLP continued to support the pilot courts (now currently referred to as CMP courts) this quarter with routine monitoring site visits during July to the courts at Chan Aye Tharzan Township, Hlaing Tharyar Township, Hpa-an Township, and Taungoo District. In August, the court team returned to the Chan Aye Tharzan Township court to familiarize and train new judicial staff on the ACMS which is being tested there. Follow-up routine monitoring site visits were also conducted at the township courts in Magway, Hlaing Tharyar, Pathein, and the district courts in Monywa and Yangon Eastern. As noted above, there are now a total of 26 CMP courts operating under the new CMP. In addition to the support provided for implementation under the CMP expansion, PRLP has provided newly developed CMP brochures to all 26 CMP courts. These brochures explain in clear and simple text the new CMP processes to court users and the general public. In addition, PRLP provided these CMP courts with a new supply of the four brochures originally developed for the pilot courts in 2015 which explain in simple terms Criminal Procedure, Civil Procedure, the Court System generally, and the writ process. Data survey in pilot regions. During the quarter, the OSCU conducted court user surveys, as noted above, using the Q10 questionnaire. The Q10 measures perception with 10 questions, 5 of which focus on the following: whether court users were treated with courtesy and respect by court staff; how easy it was to obtain information; whether they were treated equally; whether their business was handled promptly and efficiently; and how easy it was to find where they needed to go. The remaining five, similar questions, were posed specifically to litigants as follows: whether they were treated with courtesy and respect by court staff; whether they received fair, courteous, and respectful treatment by the judge; whether they felt they were treated equally; whether their case was handled promptly and efficiently; and whether they understood the Judge’s instructions. The OSCU initially began using the Q10 surveys in the first three pilot courts, conducting a baseline, 6-month, and years one, two, and three court surveys and measuring progress over these years. As

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the pilot court program expanded, a baseline and year one survey for comparison at the 5 additional pilots were conducted. Now that the OSCU is expanding the pilot court procedures to other courts, they sought to develop a baseline for measuring progress in those courts as well. However, the OSCU did not have funding to hire surveyors so PRLP reached out to its CSO network throughout the country and requested volunteers from these organizations to assist the courts in this effort. The CSOs collaborated with the courts to organize and conduct baseline surveys at the Yangon Eastern District Court, Hpa-an District Court, Taungyi District and Township Courts, the Loikaw District and Township courts, and the Dawei District and Township courts. This collaboration demonstrates an increased willingness of the courts to work together with CSOs and to think creatively about how to overcome budget gaps. The OSCU is offering increased transparency and accountability by conducting user surveys and engaging proactively with the civil society sector to make the justice sector more accessible. The chart below details the increase in customer satisfaction based on the surveys over the past three years:

PRLP conducted closed case surveys in the three initial pilot courts, Hlaing Thayar Township, Hpa-an Township and Taungoo District Court. These surveys revealed increasing compliance with new time standards, among other relevant data:

Baseline , 62%

Year One, 66%

Year Two, 68%

Year Three, 75%

0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

60%

70%

80%

Baseline Year One Year Two Year Three

Three Year Trend Shows Steady Increase in Citizen Satisfaction with the Pilot Courts Performance in areas of Access to Justice and Efficiency

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Automated Case Management System. The OSCU, supported by PRLP, just took a major step towards incorporating a well-designed automated data collection process to support the implementation of the NCMP. During July, PRLP IT Consultant, Kaz Lobaza, providing hands-on training to the OSCU IT Unit in operating the server and firewall, which PRLP recently provided to the OSCU. The server will support the ACMS, which is a key pillar to the NCMP. Mr. Lobaza’s training centered on future support of the ACMS server and associated desktop software. Activities included developing practical operating skills involving installation and upgrade procedures for the software and the troubleshooting of typical support issues. The IT staff were actively engaged in the process and quickly grasped the complex system setup. The ACMS software installed on the OSCU server will soon be tested by two former pilot courts (Chan Aye Tharzan Township Court for criminal cases and Pathein Township Court for Civil Cases) the conclusion of which will allow for accommodating courts as they become part of the system. This marks a significant step in the OSCU’s progress towards a modern, efficient, and accountable court system. By developing the necessary technical skills to operate the ACMS server, the goal of a well-designed technology-based nationwide data collection system supporting efficiently managed court operations under the NCMP is now closer to realization.

On time 78%

Delayed 22% Performance Target Dispose of 85% of

Criminal cases within 180 days (Time Standard)

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PRLP has worked to promote greater public policy engagement and advocacy by CSOs. In addition to grants, PRLP also supported capacity building and sustainability of CSOs. During the quarter, PRLP conducted a sustainability activity as part of the final presentation of grant results, to pave the way forward. All grants have now been concluded and were closed during this quarter. A2JI conducted their annual meeting and continued a series of anti-corruption and advocacy trainings. PRLP also continued to support the ULAB to begin their operations and finalized the toolkit curriculum, with a training of trainers to promote its use. A2JI Support and Activities. A2JI, with support from PRLP, conducted their annual meeting on July 13-14. COP, Teresa Cannady, delivered opening remarks and highlighted achievements during the past year. The event included an annual review of activities, results of a recent organizational assessment, and a review of the mission and objectives of A2JI. The main topic focused on registration as an official entity which was approved by the members. Members from throughout Myanmar voted to elect leaders and committee members. Below is a chart highlighting achievements and future plans.

Accomplishments Future Priorities 2016 – 6/2018

• Conducted ToT and developed curriculum for

anti-corruption training to build capacity of A2JI focal Points

• Conducted Citizen Engagement in Combating Corruption Together awareness training in states and regions

• Conducted Complaint Letter writing training for follow up activity at Yangon, Mandalay and Taunggyi

• Networking among key stakeholders • Meeting with potential strategic partners

(UNODC, MCRB, JSCB, MATA, IDLO and ACC)

• Workshops with international & local experts • Review & analysis on existing Anti-Corruption

Law and by law • Submitted shadow report for UPR report • Consultation meetings. • Conducted public awareness event on Anti-

corruption day, Dec. 9, 2017 • Collaborated with anti-corruption commission

in symposium and documentary film • Participated in advocacy meeting/workshop

with Parliament & government (Yangon Region Hluttaw, Amyothar and Pyithu Hluttaw).

7/2018 – 12/2019

• Officially register • Develop long-term Strategic Plan (3 years) • Review/develop policies what we need • Review/develop advocacy strategies • Develop strategies for sustainability • Develop Risk reduction plan/M&E plan • Capacity building to key stakeholders • Knowledge/experience sharing among network

and CSOs • Exposure trip for learning experience. • Advanced trainings for each cluster • Regular consultation and meeting with members • Regular Steering Committee Meeting • Research activity • Support in country report to UNCAC. • Participation in UNCAC Review Cycle • Provide necessary support to the country for

access to justice • Marketing to international communities/funding

agencies for applying Proposal

COMPONENT 4: DEVELOP THE

CAPACITY OF CIVIL SOCIETY TO ENGAGE

IN PUBLIC POLICY DEVELOPMENT AND

ADVOCACY

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• Publication / IEC development on Combating corruption booklets, pamphlets, T shirt, cups.

• Developed website • Conducted Strategic Plan workshop • Conducted regular Steering Committee

meetings • Held Annual Meeting (2018)

Anti-corruption and advocacy efforts. A2JI and PRLP continued a series of trainings on community engagement against corruption in collaboration with grantees and other interested organizations based on the curriculum developed earlier this year and the TOT. To date, 19 training programs for 600 participants were completed. PRLP continued to build the skills of A2JI trainers through a program of co-training. Participants learned how to address corruption by adapting their responses to achieve the most productive and lasting solutions. Participants discussed techniques they can use to report and monitor corruption and raise awareness in their communities to promote more accountable justice sector institutions that protect human rights. During this quarter, PRLP conducted an anti-corruption training on July 17, in collaboration with A2JI and grantee, JCSDO, in Mawlamyaing for 29 participants from local community organizations and on July 24 in Pathein for 34 participants from a variety of community groups.

Because of these anti-corruption training programs, participants requested training to build their advocacy skills in writing complaint/request letters. PRLP continued the training series on Aug. 9 in Mandalay for 35 participants, Aug. 20 in Yangon for 30 participants in collaboration with Phoenix, and on August 22 in Kawkareik for 35 participants in collaboration with TCDN. PRLP completed the writing training with the support of a lawyer from former grantee, GPS. The program offered practical tips on how to address government agencies and officials, ensuring that citizen voices are heard.

Members of A2JI and PRLP met on August 4th with the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) to discuss continued collaboration with civil society organizations (CSOs). The ACC is planning to develop Corruption Prevention Units (CPU) in various Ministries to deal with petty corruption, while the ACC will focus on high level corruption. The ACC is seeking CSOs participation to

monitor corruption cases and provide data to the CPUs. They specifically requested assistance from A2JI in developing a website focused on bribery. A2JI will work together with the Myanmar Centre for Responsible Business (MCRB) to develop this website, where the public can report claims of corruption and provide a resource for better monitoring of public institutions. A2JI will also provide information gathered by members of Watch Groups that were formed in various communities as a result of the PRLP supported anti-corruption advocacy/citizen engagement training. The new members of the commission

PRLP conducts Citizen Engagement to Combat Corruption Training in Pathein

Participants practice advocacy skills with complaint letter writing training in Mandalay

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have shown showing increased transparency and willingness to collaborate with CSOs and address corruption issues in Myanmar.

Objective 2: Increase Legal Literacy, Access to Justice for Marginalized Populations in Target Regions/States PRLP activities under this Objective focused on increasing the organization, presence, and skills of Myanmar’s legal aid providers and providing resources for them to advance their work, increasing legal literacy and access to justice. Efforts included development of the legal aid services, assistance to the ULAB, support for ILAM, and the extensive grants program. Legal Aid Support Support for ULAB. PRLP continues to support the ULAB in organizing operations in Nay Pyi Taw. PRLP has been working with the ULAB since its formation last year and will continue to build the capacity of members and the institution to serve the needs of vulnerable groups in Myanmar. Serving as the board’s international advisor, PRLP Legal Aid Advisor Geralyn Busnardo, provided technical support on the organization of the ULAB office staff, including drafting and reviewing organization charts, department roles and responsibilities, and job descriptions. PRLP provided the ULAB with a model government and legal aid provider contract to facilitate the process of contracting with CSOs, individual lawyers, and/or firms for the provision of legal aid. PRLP also provided the ULAB with 400 books of the Legal Aid Law and Rules for distribution to all legal aid boards, as well as furniture and equipment for the training room in Nay Pyi Taw. Data collection. PRLP completed the collection of closed-case data from a sampling of courts that provides critical information to enhance the capabilities of the judiciary and inform the ULAB about future plans for legal aid services. The data was compiled into a report with significant charts detailing number of represented clients in various courts according to the type of crime. Overall, the survey reflected that the overwhelming majority of cases resulted in convictions, while more than half of the accused were not represented by an attorney. More than 75% of juveniles were in custody during their cases, and bail was for the most part not considered. Legal Aid Management System (LAMS). PRLP worked with the LAMS developer to obtain a hosting domain for the system so that it can continue to function and be handed over to the follow-on project. Legal Aid Toolkit Curriculum. From July 9-13, PRLP conducted a training of trainers (TOT) program on the Legal Aid Toolkit Curriculum. The Curriculum complements the Legal Aid Toolkit that has been widely distributed and utilized throughout the country to improve the quality of legal aid services for the public. Professor Cynthia Alkon from Texas A&M University School of Law led the training, attended by 24 participants representing the Independent Lawyers’ Association of Myanmar, University Law Departments and various civil society organizations. The objective of PRLP conducts TOT on legal aid curriculum.

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the training was to build a cadre of trainers, experienced in interactive techniques and modern teaching methodologies, who can expand the use of the curriculum to others. The Curriculum is comprised of lesson plans that are designed to guide the trainer through the Toolkit modules with content, activities and handouts. It will be used by organizations to build the capacity of staff delivering legal aid and for members of bar associations to share this information to their wider networks of partners and beneficiaries. The training was also videotaped and duplicated for distribution and future use. The curriculum is available in both English and Myanmar languages. During the quarter, the curriculum was printed in a two-volume set and provided to counterparts and interested trainers. The toolkit, curriculum, and TOT are helping build the capacity of legal aid lawyers to deliver effective services to the public and protect human rights. Gender and Human Rights Activities Support. On August 2nd, the CSO program manager participated in a meeting of the Violence against Women technical working group to discuss the annual work plan which includes ensuring policy and legislation on the elimination of violence against women and girls fully complies with CEDAW, implement interventions that support the elimination of all forms of violence against women and girls, provides support to survivors of violence, and ensures coordination of technical assistance and implementation across Government and between Government and development partners. The group also discussed input from members for the upcoming 6-month report, including budget information about members activities that are part of the annual work plan. The Department of Social Welfare (DSW) is the permanent chair with an alternating co-chair. Currently, Ahkayar is the co-Chair but after September it will rotate to GEN. The next meeting will be held in Nay Pyi Taw to discuss strategy and budget allocations.

On August 16, the PRLP CSO Program Manager participated in a CEDAW Action Myanmar (CAM) meeting. CAM is the platform for CSOs working on gender issues and women’s rights, especially focusing on submission of the CEDAW shadow report. CAM expects to achieve the following results by end of 2020.

Result 1: Women have increased understanding of CEDAW implementation and women’s rights and are able to demand their rights collectively. Result 2: Duty bearers and stakeholders have increased understanding of women rights and have taken actions to protect, fulfil, and promote women’s rights. Result 3: Key duty bearers and policy makers endorse and implement policies and activities in compliance with CEDAW provisions. Result 4: CAM and its members are strengthened and collectively advocate for the state to implement CEDAW provisions.

To measure results, CAM will conduct training on Monitoring Mechanisms for CEDAW implementation by the state and data collection by member organizations in October. In 2019, they will conduct data collection, assessment, and analysis for the CEDAW shadow report to be drafted and submitted in June 2020.The shadow report by CAM will focus on adolescent girls, indigenous women’s rights, access to justice, and the effects of corruption on women. Grants. During the quarter, the remaining 4 grants ended. PRLP conducted sites visits to SRYN in Monywa, SCVG in Magway, JCSDO in Mawlamyaing, TCDN in Kawkareik, Mawkkon in Kengtung, and KMSS in Yangon. These visits provided an opportunity review final milestones and financial records and assist in the close-out of these grants. Current grants. The chart below details the grants which ended this quarter, followed by a description of final activities:

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RFA 2017-008 – Anti-Trafficking in Persons Initiatives Grants Grant No. Grantee Name Grant Title Grant

Location

PRL-G-008-001

Thwee Community Development Network

Prevention of Human Trafficking Project

Kayin 7/2/2018

PRL-G-008-003

Genuine People’s Servants Prevention and Protection from Human Trafficking

Kachin, Northern Shan

7/4/2018

PRL-G-008-004

Htoi Gender and Development Foundation

Promoting Rule of Law for Anti – Human Trafficking Project

Kachin, Northern Shan

8/4/2018

PRL-G-008-005

Karuna Mission Social Solidarity

Reducing Human Trafficking in Myanmar

Mandalay, Sagaing, Magway, Eastern Shan

7/9/2018

Thwee Community Development Network (TCDN) (Project Area: Myawaddy, Kayin State; Grant Period: 03 July 2017 - 02 July 2018) TCDN’s Prevention of Human Trafficking Project worked to prevent human trafficking through protection, awareness trainings, legal and human rights awareness raising activities, and victim support services, such as counseling and a safe house. During this quarter, TCDN compiled all their activities and presented them into a final milestone report. They prepared and presented a Project End Evaluation Report as a final verification milestone. Genuine People's Servants (GPS – TIP Grant) (Project Area: Lashio, Northern Shan State; Grant Period: 05 July 2017 - 04 July 2018) GPS’s Prevention and Protection from Human Trafficking Project promoted awareness about the Human Rights, Human Trafficking and Legal Mechanisms for IDPs in armed conflict areas. GPS provided legal assistance to TIP victims from the IDP camps in the Northern Shan State (Man Wing Baptist Church, Namkhan KBC, Zup Aung, Kyauk Mae, Kutkai, Sibaw, Karlai or Mang Tone, Maiyulay or Kutkai and Namkhan). During this quarter, GPS provided continued legal representation for 8 ongoing TIP cases out of 10 cases; 2 cases had already received a final court decision. Htoi (Win Let) Gender and Development Foundation (Htoi) (Project Area: Myitkyina, Wingmaw, Bhamo, Mansi, Momauk, Kachin State; Grant Period: 05 July 2017 - 04 August 2018) Htoi focuses on gender issues in the Kachin community and has provided protection and victims/survivors assistance through peer group meetings and psycho-social support. Htoi provided legal aid support for 10 TIP cases in total, with 5 of the 10

Knowledge is Power

A 32-year-old woman who lived in a small village in Shwe Bo, Sagaing Region, migrated for work after making an employment agreement with a broker agency to work in a factory in Thailand. However, after arriving there she was forced to work in the pig husbandry industry under grueling conditions that adversely affected her health. Her mother-in-law is a member of the village anti-trafficking watch group and has regularly attended trafficking in persons (TIP) and migration awareness training conducted by Karuna Myanmar Social Services (KMSS). With the knowledge gained from the training program, she supported her daughter-in-law by confronting the broker agency and negotiating her return. Thanks to her continued advocacy, the agency not only provided for her return but also made a cash settlement.

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receiving a final court decision. During this quarter, Htoi provided continue support for 5 legal representation cases and submitted an Audit Report as their final milestone. Karuna Mission Social Solidarity (KMSS) (Project Area: Shwe Bo- Sagaing Region, Aung Lan – Magway Region and Kengtung – Eastern Shan State; Grant Period: 10 July 2017 - 9 July 2018) KMSS’s Reducing Human Trafficking in Myanmar Project promoted awareness on TIP and safe labor migration in targeted areas. During this quarter, KMCC conducted a Participatory Regional Coordination Meeting in Yangon on July 6, with field staff from 3 project areas: Shwebo, Aunglan and Kengtung. Capacity building. In a continuation of sustainability efforts, PRLP conducted a results and networking event for past grantees on August 10 at the Sedona Hotel. This event, which included 70 participants, provided networking opportunities with other donors, and a forum to share successes and challenges, and promoted continuation and expansion of successful activities. A video presentation highlighted the success of the PRLP grants program and a panel discussion featured the results of four grantees (JCSDO, GPS, Htoi, and SCVG). CSOs participated in small group work identifying successes they want to build on, identifying new activities needed in their communities, and determining support needed to achieve their objectives. Following a networking lunch, participants were able to view the work of the CSOs in a gallery presentation with booths that highlighted achievement and materials/research developed. The event also included a demonstration of the LAMS to promote use of the legal aid case management system among CSOs, with a special emphasis on the value of reports that can be generated.

PRLP conducts panel discussion on CSO/grantee results

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IV. PRLP close-out and handover activities

The PRLP contract ended on September 30th. Preparations for project close-out were ongoing throughout the quarter including various financial and administrative tasks necessary to close the office, as well as finalizing all deliverables. In May, PRLP developed and submitted to USAID a close-out plan which included a proposed property disposition. The plan was subsequently revised in July to reflect updated ex-pate deployment dates and recipients of property. Two home office staff were fielded during September to conduct final close-out tasks. The project continued to complete deliverables during this quarter including developing three project videos that highlight the significant success achieved over the past 5 years. One video focuses on support for the OSCU, in particular the success of the pilot court program, another focused on the civil society support to improve access to justice, while the final video focused on overall achievements.

PRLP worked closely with the contractor for the newly awarded Promoting the Rule of Law in Myanmar (PRLM) project for a successful handover and transition of activities. To that end, PRLP met with Chemonics personnel on several occasions to discuss next steps, provide documents/reports, provide partner and CSO contacts lists, conduct a lessons learned session between the two projects, and to schedule and participate in initial meetings with the OSCU, UAGO, and the ULAB. Chemonics personnel also attended the grantee results and sustainability event and had an opportunity to meet PRLP grantees, learn about their achievements, and learn more about future plans and needs of civil society organizations.

PRLP worked with Chemonics to review the project inventory and manage distribution of these assets. PRLP delivered the requested items to the PRLM office and also distributed the remaining assets to counterparts and CSOs in compliance with the property disposition plan.

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V. Grantee Legal Aid Services, and Legal Awareness and Outreach Activities

Legal Awareness Materials and Outreach by Grantees (through September 2018) Types Number

(This Quarter) Number (Cumulative)

Pamphlets - 34067

Newsletters - 6000

Manuals/booklets - 315

Mon State Rule of law report - 2000

Legal service mapping - 4450

Others IEC (Books, Caps, Bags, Vinyl, etc.) - 9380

Total - 56212

Direct outreach contact to Citizens - 984

News stories published on lines media - 124

Legal Aid Services Provided by Grantees (through September 2018)

Type of services

Achievement this Quarter Cumulative Achievement Number

of cases

Number of beneficiaries Number of

cases

Number of beneficiaries

# Men # Women Total # Men # Women Total

Free legal representation 6 5 3 8 1547 1349 635 1984

Referral - - - - 474 169 310 479

Legal advice 98 77 23 100 3235 1670 1721 3391

Safe house - - - - 91 0 91 91

Mediation - - - - 58 17 65 82

Total 104 82 26 108 5405 3205 2822 6027

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VI. Grantee Trainings and Workshops,

GRANTEE TRAININGS AND WORKSHOPS (THROUGH SEPTEMBER 2018)

Topic / Event

Achievement this Quarter Cumulative Achievement Trainings/ Workshops

Number of Participants Trainings/ Workshops

Number of Participants

M F Total M F Total

Human rights and LGBT rights trainings

- - - - 13 193 138 331

Basic Legal Research Skills Training

- - - - 1 8 10 18

Capacity Building training for Junior lawyers & Paralegals

- - - - 8 28 39 67

Community based Paralegal trainings

- - - - 39 435 563 998

LGBT Rights and Paralegals Trainings

- - - - 1 18 5 23

Paralegal Advance Training - - - - 8 24 58 82

Referral Strengthening System Training

- - - - 1 5 25 30

Community based legal awareness training/workshops

- - - - 367 4909 7532 12441

National Mock Trial workshop

- - - - 4 37 119 156

National Myanmar CLE Summer School training workshop

- - - - 1 4 56 60

Campaign on Domestic/ gender-based violence/TIP

- - - - 51 1502 2764 4266

Training on SGBV, CEDAW, women rights and human rights issues / TIP

- - - - 136 1494 2617 4111

Communication/ presentation/ facilitation skills training

- - - - 5 28 57 85

Skills trainings (case management, interviewing, counseling, mobilization)

- - - - 23 250 295 545

Human rights / advocacy trainings

- - - - 3 14 47 61

Investigative journalism trainings

- - - - 2 8 5 13

Citizen journalism trainings - - - - 2 14 8 22

Law review workshops - - - - 16 439 238 677

Total - - - - 681 9410 14576 23986

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VII. Map of PRLP Activities

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Tel: (202) 712-0000