Our goal

Increased access to an independent, accountable, and efficient justice system of high quality in line with international and European human rights standards.

Rationale for the support

Human rights, democracy and the rule of law create an environment in which countries can promote sustainable development, protect individuals from discrimination, and ensure equal access to justice for all. The majority of people will experience legal and justice needs over the course of their lifetime. Backlogs of cases in the judiciaries can take years to remove, reducing the accessibility and quality of justice. Ensuring people-centred justice is key to strengthening the rule of law, increasing people’s confidence and trust in the judicial system, and safeguarding a sound business and investment environment.

The European Convention on Human Rights Article 6 provides the main elements of a fair and resilient justice system. The independence, accountability, quality, and efficiency of the judiciaries in European countries are crucial pillars in ensuring the rule of law is upheld and the balance of powers and stability maintained. High-quality and timely dispute resolution ensures that the justice system works for the benefit of citizens and businesses alike.

Development of digital technologies has the potential to increase the efficiency and effectiveness of the justice system, making it more accessible. It is crucial that this modernisation is in line with human rights standards.

Areas of support

  • Independence and accountability of the court system.
  • Quality and efficiency of the court system, including judge craft and leadership in the judiciary.
  • Equal access to justice, including a child-friendly and gender-sensitive court system.

How the objective will be addressed

The resilience of the court system depends on the independence and accountability of the courts. The programme area will focus on introducing measures for the protection of judges from inappropriate internal and external pressure, increased transparency, and improved public awareness of the role of the judiciary and the consequences of undermining its independence.

The fairness of the court system depends on the quality and efficiency of the courts and equal access to justice for all, both in criminal and civil cases. This programme area will invest in capacity building of judges and court staff as a prerequisite for ensuring quality, timely planning, and efficient case management. This will lead to increased judge craft and strengthened leadership and court management in the judiciary, fostering proactive judges and thereby positively impacting the quality and efficiency of the courts. Efforts to improve administrative efficiency should include proper data collection and analysis, time management, concentrated hearings, summary proceedings, digitalisation, alternative dispute resolution and alternative sanctions.

To further strengthen the fairness of the court system, the programme area will support: gender-sensitive court systems performing their duties without bias and prejudice; child-friendly justice, also based on the Barnahus model, to ensure the best interest of the child and improve child protection, including through their meaningful participation in judicial proceedings; and access to justice systems for persons in vulnerable situations, including child victims, victims of domestic and gender-based violence, and Roma women and girls.

Key actors and beneficiaries

Courts, including judges and court staff, prosecution and other relevant public entities, are the main actors in bringing about the desired change. International organisations, educational and research institutions, and civil society organisations are valued partners in supporting the changes.

Improved court systems will benefit all citizens. Targeted actions will benefit persons in vulnerable situations.