Vanuatu Law and Justice Partnership Formed

Friday last Week at the Chief's Nakamal, the Governments of Vanuatu and Australia launched the Vanuatu Law and Justice Partnership called Stretem Rod Blong Jastis.

Friday last Week at the Chief's Nakamal, the Governments of Vanuatu and Australia launched the Vanuatu Law and Justice Partnership called Stretem Rod Blong Jastis.

Stretem Rod Blong Jastis will help the Government of Vanuatu to implement its new sector strategy.

"We really want to make a difference with the help of the Partnership by leading a responsive and vibrant law and justice sector", the Minister for Justice and Community Services, the Hon Charlot Salwai MP said.

The Partnershipís support extends across government agencies and departments under the Ministry of Justice and Community Services as well as the judiciary and non-government organisations that contribute to law, justice and community service delivery in Vanuatu.

The program will support sector-wide priorities identified by the Government of Vanuatu, as reflected in the new Law, Justice & Community Services Strategy.  It has three main components: sector planning and coordination; capacity development; and policy development and research.

Australia has supported Vanuatu's legal sector for over 10 years. Stretem Rod Blong Jastis reaffirms the commitment to continue assistance to the law and justice sector under the broader Australia-Vanuatu Partnership for Development.

AusAID Counsellor Katherine Ruiz-Avila said: "This partnership will benefit the institutions of the law and justice sector.  We hope, too, that real benefits will reach the people of Vanuatu through improved services: whether they be business people, communities or individuals, whether they live in towns, settlements or rural areas".