Usaid Promoting the Rule of Law Project

USAID

PROMOTING THE RULE

OF LAW PROJECT

QUARTERLY REPORT NO. 16: JULY - SEPTEMBER 2017

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: July – September 2017

Task Order No. AID-486-TO-13-00008

CONTRACTOR: TETRA TECH DPK

DATE: October 25, 2017

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.

Table of Contents

I. List of Acronyms ...... 3

II. Executive Summary ...... 4

III. Program Activities by Objective/Component ...... 6

Objective 1: Promote More Effective, Accountable, and Accessible Justice Sector Institutions...... 6

Objective 2: Increase Legal Literacy, Access to Justice for Marginalized Populations in Target Regions/States ...... 18

IV. Grantee Trainings, Workshops, and Conferences ...... 29

V. F-Level Indicators ...... 31

Attachments:

Attachment 1: Trip Report, ICT Consultant, Dr. Kazimierz Lobaza, September 2017

Attachment 2: USAID Snapshot: Anti-Human Trafficking Day

Attachment 3: USAID Snapshot: Customer Service Training

Attachment 4: USAID Snapshot: Gender-Based Violence Awareness and Advocacy

Attachment 5: USAID Snapshot: Independent Lawyers’ Association of Myanmar

Attachment 6: USAID Snapshot: Paralegal Network

I. List of Acronyms

A2JI Access to Justice Initiative AAPTIP Australia Asia Program to Combat Trafficking in Persons ACC Anti-Corruption Commission AG Attorney General ATTF Anti-Trafficking Task Force CEDAW Convention on the Elimination of all Forms of Discrimination Against Women CLE Continuing Legal Education CMS Case Management System COP Chief of Party CSO Civil Society Organization DCOP Deputy Chief of Party EU European Union GPI Green Peasants Institute GPS Genuine People's Servants HI Humanity Institute IBAHRI International Bar Association’s Human Rights Institute ICT Information and Communications Technology IDEA Integrated Development Executive Association IDP Internally-Displaced Person IEC Information, Education, and Communication ILAM Independent Lawyers’ Association of Myanmar JCSDO Jeepyah Civil Society Development Organization KMSS Karuna Mission Social Solidarity LCM Legal Clinic Myanmar MCRB Myanmar Centre for Responsible Business MKLDO Mawk Kon Local Development Organization MIGS Myanmar Institute of Gender Studies MLAA Mahawthadha Legal Aid Association MJA Myanmar Justice Association MNA Myitmakha News Agency NGO Non-Governmental Organization OSCU Office of the Supreme Court of the Union PRLP Promoting the Rule of Law Project PEA Political Economy Analysis SCVG Social Care Volunteer Group SGBV Sexual and Gender-Based Violence SRYN Sagaing Regional Youth Network STRO Second Tap Root Organization 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 UN United Nations UNCAC United Nations Convention Against Corruption UNDP United Nations Development Program

II. Executive Summary

The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) Promoting the Rule of Law Project (PRLP) continued to focus on building more effective, accountable, and accessible justice sector institutions during this last quarter of project year four. PRLP activities support the Office of the Supreme Court of the Union (OSCU) and the courts, the Union Attorney General’s Office (UAGO) and the law offices, increase legal literacy, improve access to justice, and develop civil society capacity to engage in public policy development and advocacy. A modification of the contract was signed in late July and a new Chief of Party (COP), Teresa Cannady, was fielded in mid-August. Robert Dean also joined the project in July as the Deputy COP. The COP and DCOP immediately began meeting with counterparts and building relationships to continue the ongoing work of PRLP. 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. PRLP began a Political Economy Analysis (PEA) that will continue into next quarter and result in a report that will outline the current rule of law context in Myanmar with recommendations on where gains can be made. PRLP fielded an expert who conducted interviews and focus groups to gather the relevant data to complete the analysis. In collaboration with USAID, PRLP developed a concept paper for a study tour in January 2018. The concept paper outlined participants, focus areas, a proposed agenda, and results. PRLP continued to coordinate with the Australia Asia Program to Combat Trafficking in Persons (AAPTIP) to organize follow-up trafficking-in-persons (TIP) related training that will be implemented in November for the UAGO and its law officers.

Component 2: Enhance the Capacities of the Union Attorney General’s Office. PRLP staff visited the three newly designated pilot law offices to meet with the law officers/assistant law officers to discuss future activities. The DCOP and Senior Justice Program Manager met twice with UAGO Director General (Prosecution Department) and her staff to discuss and prioritize the pilot activities. As a result of these meetings, PRLP was able to meet with the Attorney General (AG) and obtain his approval for next steps in the pilot program. These approved activities represent a significant step towards a more modern, responsive, and engaged prosecution service that works cooperatively with the police and community to achieve justice and foster greater public confidence.

Component 3: Support to Judicial Self-Governance and Judicial Reform. PRLP continued to work in the eight pilot courts, implementing case management and pre-trial procedures. PRLP conducted an evaluation workshop of the three initial Pilot Courts at the Supreme Court, presenting findings of court user satisfaction at 68%, up from a baseline of 61.5% in 2015. A notable and important increase was that 75% of people reported they were treated equally (up from 62% over baseline 2 years ago) and 76% say that court personnel treated them with courtesy and respect (up from 62% baseline 2 years ago). Court effectiveness was also rated at 60% this year, increasing both of the last two years from the initial baseline of 52%.

Customer service training continued and has now reached 865 beneficiaries, including 448 women and 417 men at the OSCU. After seeing the benefits this program offered to the courts, the OSCU chose to replicate the program throughout Myanmar for High Courts, District Courts, and Pilot Courts in 6 Regions and 2 States. PRLP Information and Communications Technology (ICT) Consultant, Dr. Kazimierz Lobaza, returned to Myanmar during September to finalize the case management system (CMS), validate the testing, and to meet with judges and court personnel. There is consensus among judges and court staff that the current version of the CMS, for both criminal and civil cases, meets their requirements and no further testing is required.

PRLP is now assisting the OSCU to develop their five-year strategic plan by serving as the lead technical advisor to the Strategic Planning working group. This plan will address a nationwide legal aid program and the implementation of the CMS throughout the county, incorporating the lessons learned from the pilot court program, among other important justice sector reforms.

Component 4: Develop the capacity of civil society to engage in public policy development and advocacy. PRLP is currently managing 13 Legal Aid grants and 5 TIP grants and working to building the capacity of grantees to sustain their efforts. (See Component 4, Objective 2 discussion of activities of each grantee). During this quarter, the PRLP grants team completed Project Cycle Management Training for all grantees and a Financial Management and Report Writing Training for the 5 TIP grantees and the Independent Lawyers’ Association of Myanmar (ILAM) secretariat. Grantees provided legal aid for 430 beneficiaries including 233 women and 197 men, as well as providing 4,284 awareness raising materials. ILAM launched the first issue of their newsletter and the ILAM website, as well as opening a legal library in a ceremony that included Dr. Myint Naing, the Prime Minister of Sagaing Region; U Win Myint, the Chief Justice of Sagaing Region; and U Khin Maung Hla, the Attorney General of Sagaing Region.

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. PRLP continued to COMPONENT 1: promote cross-cutting activities on TIP awareness through the implementation of five TIP related grants and (See Objective 2 for SUPPORT THE more details) plans are underway for an upcoming study tour in DEVELOPMENT OF January and an international Rule of Law Conference. A PEA was A COMPREHENSIVE also launched this quarter, with research and meetings commencing in late September. STRATEGY FOR NATIONAL RULE OF Study Tour – PRLP developed a concept note with proposed LAW REFORM participants, focus areas, and a sample agenda for a 7 day study tour to San Francisco and Reno, Nevada. After discussions with USAID, the concept note was revised and utilized by the Tetra Tech DPK home office to develop and issue a procurement for a vendor who can manage the organization and logistics for the tour. The study tour, which currently is planned for January 2018, will include participants from the OSCU, UAGO, and private attorneys. The visits will focus on judicial training institutions, bar association services, judicial discipline mechanisms, public defender services, and prosecution related programming involving victims and witnesses.

Rule of Law Forum – The Rule of Law Coordinating Body is planning to conduct an international rule of law forum to begin the first steps toward the development of a Justice Sector Reform Strategy. This forum is planned for December or January, depending on the availability of Aung San Suu Kyi, who has been invited to deliver the opening remarks. The event is anticipated for 2 days in Nay Pyi Taw and will include approximately 250 participants from local justice sector institutions and international contributors. PRLP, along with other international donors, will provide financial and/or technical support to this forum. It is anticipated that PRLP would be responsible for providing a high level speaker on judicial accountability and efficiency.

Political Economy Analysis (PEA) – During this quarter, PRLP identified and fielded an expert to conduct a rule of law PEA, Greg Gisvold, an experienced attorney and rule of law development specialist. He arrived in-country in late September and began conducting interviews and focus groups to gather the relevant data to complete the analysis. PRLP provided background documents and organized the meetings. The COP, DCOP, and Senior Justice Program Manager participated in these meetings and focus group, as well as providing feedback and data to inform the process. The PEA field work will continue through mid-October with initial recommendations expected by the end of October.

Cross-cutting. During the quarter, PRLP continued coordination with AAPTIP to plan follow-up TIP related training that will be implemented next quarter for the UAGO and its law officers throughout Myanmar. Judges and OSCU officials will also be invited to attend. (See Component 2 below). TIP Advisor, Albert Moskowitz, will lead the TIP focused training, in collaboration with

AAPTIP expert, Deborah Lee. Mr. Moskowitz will also continue his engagement with members of the Hluttaw through a round table in collaboration with National Democratic Institute.

Cross-cutting activities involving legal aid included the ongoing work through legal aid initiative grants and support to the OSCU as they prepare to implement the recently enacted Law on Legal Aid (See Component 3 and Objective 2 below).

During the quarter, PRLP obtained conceptual approval from the AG for activities in the new pilot law offices; developed plans for follow- up TIP training for law officers; and began initial preparations to field a consultant to build on previous work with the public information COMPONENT 2: officers. ENHANCE THE CAPACITIES OF THE Pilot Law Office Program: Initial Activity Planning. PRLP staff visited the three newly designated pilot law offices to meet with the law UNION ATTORNEY officers/assistant law officers and discuss future activities. The three GENERAL’S OFFICE pilot law offices visited were the Chan Aye Tharzan Township Law Office and the Pyin Oo Lwin District Law Office, both in the Mandalay Region, and the Mawlamyaing Township Law Office in Mon State. The discussions focused on recommendations contained in the Report on Possible Procedural Interventions at the Pilot Law Offices which resulted from an assessment conducted in 2016 and the March 2017 workshop in Naypyidaw attended by members of the UAGO Pilot Law Office Supervisory and Management Committee and leadership of the three pilot law offices. The areas of possible interventions considered at that time included: (1) greater law officer involvement in the investigation during the pre-trial stage; (2) law officer control of the charging process; (3) law officer pre-trial engagement with victims and witnesses; (4) developing speedy disposition procedures; (5) case diversion; (6) vertical case assignment; and (7) automated case and data management. Particular interest was expressed by the law officers in greater pretrial interaction between the police and law officers and pretrial preparations with victims and witnesses in the appropriate cases. In addition, PRLP explored the possibility of establishing a Victim Witness Coordinator position for the pilot law offices.

Pilot Law Office Approved Areas of Activity - In addition to the visits to the pilot law offices, PRLP staff including DCOP, Bob Dean, and Senior Justice Program Manager, Yein Myaw, met twice with UAGO Director General (Prosecution Department), Daw Khin Cho Ohn, and her staff to discuss and prioritize the pilot activities. As a result of the meetings at the District and Township levels and the meetings with the Director General, a meeting was scheduled for late August with the AG, Union level leadership, and law officers of the pilot offices. This meeting was organized to obtain approval for next steps in the pilot program. PRLP presented its activities and a discussion followed, led by the AG, which resulted in the approval of five areas of activity, with the caveat that agreement from police and courts as well as the private attorneys would be required. These areas include: (1) greater law officer and police interaction and coordination; (2) victim-witness support and outreach by law offices; (3) vertical case assignment in certain cases; (4) modern automated case registration and data collection; and (5) developing a more efficient and effective law office work-space (including a general assessment and recommendations for the Township and District law offices). The AG noted that considerable interaction is needed between the Union level offices and the Ministry of Home Affairs to secure police agreement to this new and closer relationship. Once this has been achieved, local relationships between the police and prosecutors could be developed at the local pilot levels.

The AG noted that greater engagement with victims and witnesses will require court approval and better understanding by private attorneys. At a later date, consideration will be given to creating a victim-witness coordinator position in each of the pilot law offices to serve as the focal point for victim and witness contact and notifications. The pilot law offices will need to coordinate with their respective courts to allow for vertical case assignment whereby law officers will be assigned to handle certain sensitive and complex cases from early stages of the investigations through to completion of trial.

PRLP is taking steps to develop automated case registration and data collection with the purchase of computers for the pilot law offices and training in basic computer literacy skills for the staff. Finally, PRLP will work with the law offices to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of their existing work space. The goal will be to reorganize and redesign the office space allowing for a more functional law office, archiving, individual work spaces, and create a more professional and productive working environment.

These approved activities which will be tested in the pilot law offices, represent a significant step towards a more modern, responsive, and engaged prosecution service that works cooperatively with the police and community to achieve justice and foster greater public confidence in the justice system. It is apparent that some of these proposed concepts would involve considerable changes in the UAGO’s current practices, and may require changes in laws and policies as well as developing new engagement protocols in the courts, law offices, and police.

Pilot Law Office - Automated Case registration and Data Collection - To provide the initial foundation for implementing automated case registration and data collection and management at the law office level, PRLP procured equipment for the pilot law offices including desktop computers, printers, and essential peripherals. Initial training on basic computer skills was delivered which covered keyboarding and use of Microsoft Suite applications. More advanced ICT training will be provided to selected staff when appropriate in the coming months.

During the quarter PRLP ICT expert consultant Dr. Kazimierz Lobaza conducted on-site visits during September to the pilot law offices at Chan Aye Tharzan and Pyin Oo Lwin to carry out a review and assessment of the current manual registration and data collection systems in the law offices. Based upon his visits to the pilot law offices, Dr. Lobaza is preparing a report which will provide recommendations for developing a methodology for automated registration and data collection. He has indicated that he will also develop a recommendation on a quick wireless method to transfer court docketing information to the PRLP Team and IT Consultant visit Law Office law office for advance notification of case scheduling.

Planning and Preparation for Continuing TIP Skills Course for UAGO Law Officers. PRLP worked together with AAPTIP to develop the planning and agenda for follow-up TIP training for law officers, which will be conducted in November. This program will continue to build on the previous themes of pretrial preparation and interviews with victim/survivors and witnesses. The topic of this training dovetails with Law Officers’ Pretrial Engagement with Victim/Survivors and Witnesses which as noted above was approved in concept by the Attorney General. The Prosecutor Guidelines for Pretrial Preparation Interview of Victims in TIP Cases, a product of the previous TIP trainings, highlights the crucial role of such engagement in the trial preparation process. The guidelines emphasize the need for a modern and advanced judicial systems to address the specific needs of victim/survivors and witnesses.

Planning for Further Public Information and Public Outreach Training. PRLP developed a scope of work for continued training to the UAGO and the OSCU to improve their public outreach capacity. The technical support provided in 2016 by PRLP resulted in a three year work plan UAGO Public Outreach Work Plan: October 1, 2016 - October 1, 2019. PRLP anticipates fielding the same consultant, Stephanie Gruner Buckley, during late November and early December to provide more targeted training and mentoring to build capacity to manage public relations. This technical support will build on the PRLPs support last year to establish a central UAGO public information unit in Nay Pyi Taw.

PRLP continued to focus on the eight pilot courts to build case management procedures and ensure data collection is sustained. Customer service trainings continued and were replicated in COMPONENT 3: additional courts. PRLP continue to test and improve the Case SUPPORT TO Management Database and to provide equipment necessary to JUDICIAL SELF- support court ICT capabilities. PRLP also supported the development of the OSCU Strategic Plan for 2018-2022 with GOVERNANCE AND technical assistance to the working group responsible for drafting JUDICIAL REFORM the strategic plan.

Pilot Courts Program Overview. Current pilot courts include the three initial pilot courts in Hlaing Tharyar Township Court (Yangon Region), Hpa An Township Court (Kayin State), and Taungoo District Court (Bago Region), as well as the five expansion pilot courts in Chan Aye Tharzan Township Court (Mandalay Region), the Magwe Township Court (Magwe Region), the Pathein Township Court (Ayeyarwaddy Region), the Monywa District Court (Sagaing Region), and the Mawlamyaing District Court (Mon State). The design of PRLP’s pilot court program incorporates a robust activity of regular data collection which is necessary for a more complete understanding of what works in the system and where adjustments and modifications can be made for better programming and implementation.

Court user surveys and pending and closed case surveys are conducted annually for each pilot court. The recent surveys of the eight courts measured such elements as timing on case processing, level of delay and postponements, number of hearings per case, backlog management, the result of which provide a picture of the overall effect of the case management system. PRLP is continuing to support these pilot courts to promote more effective, accountable, and accessible justice sector institutions.

Initial Pilot Courts – Two-Year evaluation workshop. PRLP completed an evaluation workshop of the three initial pilot courts at the Supreme Court of the Union in Nay Pyi Taw on August 28-29. Justice U Myo Thint, Chairman of the Strategic Plan Implementation Committee for the Supreme Court of the Union, delivered opening remarks at the workshop and discussed future plans to expand the pilot programs to all courts. PRLP COP, Teresa Cannady, welcomed the participants and encouraged open and candid discussion. Positive results noted during the conference include an increase in court user satisfaction which is currently at 68%, up from a Participants at the Initial Pilot Courts Two-Year Evaluation Workshop held in baseline of 61.5% in 2015. A August in Nay Pyi Taw.

notable and important increase was that 75% of people reported they were treated equally (up from 62% over baseline 2 years ago) and 76% say that court personnel treated them with courtesy and respect (up from 62% baseline 2 years ago). Court effectiveness was also rated higher at 60%, increasing both of the last two years from a baseline of 52%. One of the reasons for these improved measures may include the fact that criminal postponement rates have been reduced from 62% to 31% in the past year and that civil postponement rates have decreased from 43% to 16.4% in that same time period. The courts are also meeting new time standards with 76% of criminal cases on time (defined as 85% disposed of within 180 days), up from 59% over the baseline 2 years ago. Overall clearance rates, though slightly less than last year, are still higher than the baseline in 2013 and show an impressive 98% in criminal cases and 99% in civil cases. These gains have been made despite challenges such as limited internet access and the yearly transfer of judges between courts, requiring additional learning time and loss of institutional knowledge. Overall, the results provided valuable information on case processing in each of the three courts and generated considerable discussion on ways to improve performance and address shortcomings. The charts below provide more data:

Expansion Pilot Courts – Year One data collection and workshop preparation. In September, PRLP completed extensive data collection of first year results for the five expansion pilot courts. The court team is now analyzing the data and preparing a presentation for a year one evaluation workshop that will be held in November. This workshop, similar to the one for the initial pilot courts, will include pilot court judges and OSCU leadership to review results and discuss any needed changes.

Pilot Court Program: Ongoing - Customer Service Training Support. After providing customer service training at the Supreme Court of the Union, and in pilot courts in the first half of 2017, the court replicated the training throughout the country. This training program serves to improve access to quality services and overcome negative perceptions about the courts. The focus of the training was to initiate positive and productive interactions with all court users and improve the level of service being provided. Ultimately, the results benefit not only the general public but also attorneys, police, and litigants who interact with the court on a daily basis. The original program including a training of trainers. Taking this approach provided a sustainable model, allowing the courts themselves to replicate and deliver the training for other personnel. Participants quickly realized the benefit, not only for the public, but for improving their skills and the perception of the courts.

The training provided new techniques and communication skills to create a culture of customer service at the courts. Sessions included effective listening skills, the importance of initial intake, the physical environment, and assessing improvement using the Q10 methodology. The Q10 Court staff participate in customer service training in Monywa methodology utilizes a brief ten question

survey of court users to measure customer perception. The initial training included 34 participants from the OSCU, but has expanded to include 865 beneficiaries, including 448 women and 417 men. After seeing the benefits this program offered to the courts, the OSCU chose to replicate the program throughout Myanmar for High Courts, District Courts, and Pilot Courts in six Regions and two States. During this quarter, follow-up workshops were completed during weekends at the High Court, District Court, and Township Court levels. The High Court of Mandalay completed training September 30 to October 1 for 32 participants, including 24 judges and eight court staff. The interest and initiative of the non-pilot courts in replicating this training is an encouraging development in scaling up reforms and improvements in the delivery of justice services in Myanmar.

Pilot Court Program: Continued Development of Automated Case Management System (CMS). The use of outdated manual case processing procedures is a factor in case delay in the Myanmar courts, and a primary cause for the lack of comprehensive and verifiable data upon which justice sector management decisions can rely, both at the Union level and locally. Since May of 2017, two pilot courts have been involved in developing and testing a prototype automated case management process: Pathein Township Court (Civil) and Chan Aye Tharzan Township Court (Criminal). PRLPs ICT Consultant, Dr. Kazimierz Lobaza, returned to Myanmar during September to finalize the system, validate the testing, and to meet with judges and court personnel. During his consultancy, PRLP reviewed testing results, identified issues and concerns regarding usage of the system, obtained feedback, and identified potential system enhancements. Site-visits to the court produced several, minor recommendations for system enhancements, primarily for civil cases. There is consensus among judges and court staff that the current version of the CMS, for both criminal and civil cases, meets their requirements and no further testing is required.

The next steps to further expand and integrate the CMS will include: (1) expansion to other pilot courts process, focusing on one case type at a time; (2) development of all statistical and other management reports for civil PRLP ICT Consultant reviews the CMS with court personnel and criminal cases; (3) some additional translation of certain fields assuring that the CMS is available in both English and Myanmar languages; and (4) transfer of ownership of the CMS to the Supreme Court for further implementation and maintenance. The CMS system and technical support, as evidenced in these two pilot courts, will ultimately help the Myanmar courts improve their efficiency and better serve the public. Going forward, this efficiency will be expanded to other courts, decreasing the time necessary to complete cases and providing more timely and effective service leading to improved public perception.

During the visit to the Pathein township court, PRLP along with Dr. Lobaza, conducted a walk- through of the new court building. This new court, which is the final stages of construction, has eight courtrooms and office space for judges and administrative staff. PRLP identified a

few issues related to implementation of the CMS, including electrical and Local Area Network infrastructure, as well as security and safety. The new court does not have air conditioners, nor has it been wired for their addition in the future, which could cause harm to electrical equipment, especially computers and servers.

Continuing Support to Strategic Planning for OSCU. In 2014, PRLP provided support to develop the first OSCU Strategic Plan – 2014-2017, which covered a number of areas critical to the judiciary’s reform efforts, including greater access to justice, promoting public awareness, judicial independence, and court transparency and efficiency. As this plan comes to a close, PRLP is now assisting the OSCU to develop a more ambitious five-year plan (2018- 2022). This plan will address a nationwide legal aid program and the implementation of the CMS throughout the county, incorporating the lessons learned from the pilot court program. PRLP continues to serve as the lead technical advisor to the OSCU’s Strategic Planning Working Group. Since late July, the working group has met regularly to develop the plan framework, with specific activities and performance indicators. The discussions are based on earlier consultations with justice sector stakeholders, which were conducted with USAID support. PRLP staff, including the DCOP and Senior Justice Program Manager, participated in these sessions and provide technical assistance to the Working Group to help ensure that the strategic plan is comprehensive, realistic, and addresses important due process and human rights concerns. The working group sessions are expected to continue during next quarter so that a final draft can be submitted to Chief Justice.

Planning for New Legal Aid Law Implementation. The Legal Aid Law which was adopted in May requires that the Supreme Court to promulgate by-laws for the Union Legal Aid Board (ULAB), which have been drafted and are currently under review. The ULAB will serve as the leading implementing mechanism for the law; nominations for members were submitted to the Union President and are awaiting final approval. The law provides minimal guidance on how legal aid will be delivered, with much of the work left to the discretion of the ULAB. Once the board is approved and by-laws are promulgated, PRLP will assist in implementation. During this quarter, PRLP began initial steps by meeting with the Supreme Court Legal Aid Implementation Committee. Pending final approval of the by-laws and ULAB membership, the Committee Chairman Supreme Court Justice U Tha Htay and Director General Daw Aye Kyi Thet (Office of the Union Judiciary Supervision) requested PRLP support to translate the final approved by-laws into English and to support a workshop/roundtable for the Implementation Committee and their working group. The roundtable would focus on various models of public defender systems such as public defender offices, pro bono, and contract services. Justice U Tha Htay supports creating a pilot legal aid program based on the previous implementation plan developed by PRLP in 2016, but noted that these steps would need ULAB approval. He prefers that PRLP take the lead on this initiative with other donors in the legal aid field coordinating with the project. PRLP began a recruit for a legal aid program manager to support these efforts and anticipates hiring someone next quarter.

Planning for further Public Outreach and Engagement. PRLP will continue our efforts to build capacity of public information staff at the courts. It is anticipated that PRLP will provide targeted training in late November, utilizing the consultant who previously worked with the UAGO. This support will provide court personnel with the skills to respond to the media and also to proactively engage in awareness raising, information campaigns, and improve their customer service. During this quarter, PRLP developed the scope of work for this consultancy and began preparations for mobilization.

PRLP is working to promote greater public policy engagement and advocacy by CSOs through multiple channels, including support to development of three legal-oriented organizations: a national bar association (ILAM), a separate national paralegal network (in COMPONENT 4: conjunction with former grantee Namati), and the Access to Justice Initiative (A2JI) consortium which is advocating for structural and DEVELOP THE policy reforms to improve access to justice in Myanmar. CAPACITY OF CIVIL SOCIETY TO ENGAGE A2JI Strategic Planning. A2JI encompasses a group of more than 40 CSOs focused on access to justice issues facing Myanmar civil IN PUBLIC POLICY society. These CSOs are not limited to legal aid organizations, but DEVELOPMENT AND cut across a wide range of organizations working to launch research- ADVOCACY based advocacy efforts for reform of specific laws, and to promote transparency and citizen oversight of public justice actors through monitoring activities. The variety and capacity of these groups make issues such as organizational development and a common vision more complex. PRLP is supporting A2JI to build their capacity to implement a comprehensive activity framework in three areas including research, advocacy, and monitoring and oversight, and to focus on organizational development and strategic partnerships.

A2JI Organizational Development and Partnership Building. A2JI continues to build strategic partnerships for promoting access to justice among CSOs, policy makers, and development partners. The A2JI technical resource team and steering committee members served as presenters in a community forum on corruption in southern Shan State which was organized by the Rule of Law Centers implemented by the International Development Law Organization, on August 7. Participants included 73 people from diverse backgrounds (Shan, Pa O, Taung Yoe, Danu, Indian, Muslin, Kachin and Myanmar) with representatives from CSOs, CBOs, private lawyers, a member of the Shan A2JI technical expert explains provision of the Anti- State Rule of Law Coordination body, and Corruption Law international non-governmental organizations (NGOs).

A2JI provided an overview of the Anti-Corruption Law, and presented findings and recommendations from their research of the Law, including recommendations for revising 13 sections of the law. The presentation enlightened the community on the law and how they can address corruption issues. A2JI technical members facilitated a group discussion among participants to address their particular concerns. As a result of the workshop, participants are now empowered to conduct oversight activities and report issues of corruption through official channels. The Taunggyi University Law Students Association continued to discuss the anti-corruption law after this forum and community members and CSOs reviewed the discussion points from the workshop and developed an action plan in collaboration with the Rule of Law Center.

A2JI conducted their first collaboration with the pilot court in Hlaing Thar Yar with visits in early August. The A2JI Chair and several other members met with the Associate Township court Judge U Myo Kyaw Aung, former Judge U Aung Min, and court personnel. The court representatives gave an overview of the implementation of the case management system process of the pilot court and led a tour of their facilities. The judges and personnel discussed the improved clearance rates and new procedures for pre-trial conferences. The collaboration was designed to allow A2JI to improve their understanding of court procedures A2JI visit Hlaing Thar Yar to discuss pilot court procedures and possible avenues of corruption. They will utilize this information to build public awareness of court processes, how to distinguish normal court procedures from corrupt practices, and to know how to report actual corruption.

During this quarter, development of the A2JI website continued. A2JI worked with a web designer and continues to collect and upload data, and finalize a logo. The website will also provide links to organizations which provide legal services, as well as other legal resources in Myanmar. A2JI continues to implement the organizational action plan detailed below:

ACCESS TO JUSTICE INITIATIVE (A2JI) ORGANIZATIONAL ACTION PLAN JUNE – DECEMBER 2017 Strategic Objective Proposed Strategy Key Activities 1. To become a sustainable, independent, 1. Organizational 1. Developing A2JI website platform with diverse membership that development 2. Anti-corruption day events promotes access to justice in Myanmar. 3. Drafting A2JI’s bylaws 2. To build strategic partnerships for 2. Strategic 1. Meetings with potential strategic partners promoting access to justice among A2JI, partnerships (European Union (EU) My Justice project, civil society, including CSOs and United Nations (UN) Office on Drugs and academics, and government policy Crime, etc.) makers. 2. Participation in Myanmar Centre for Responsible Business (MCRB) workshop 3. Meetings with Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) 3. To increase the knowledge-base of 3. Research 1. Analysis of anti-corruption law government officials and the Myanmar 2. Collecting data on corruption complaint public about access to justice. mechanisms 3. Disseminating anti-corruption info among A2JI members and general public 4. To affect government policy and laws on 4. Advocacy 1. Meetings with key stakeholders (ACC, US access to justice issues through evidence- Embassy, etc.) based advocacy efforts. 2. Field visits to raise awareness on anti- corruption law 3. Disseminating info on advocacy/research cluster initiatives and findings 5. To promote transparency and citizen 5. Monitoring & 1. Preparing anti-corruption law booklet oversight of the people and institutions Oversight 2. Preparing country report and/or shadow report responsible for delivering access to 3. Meetings with members of ACC and Supreme justice. Court

A2JI: Anti-Corruption Activities. Corruption continues to impede progress toward greater economic development and democratic reform in Myanmar and efforts to combat corruption are increasingly a central focus of government, civil society, and international donor activities in the justice sector. A2JI is seeking to take a leading role among civil society actors in this arena and is beginning to build strong connections to organizations in Myanmar and abroad with interest and capability to address corruption in the public and private sectors.

A2JI and the Local Resource Centre partnered to raise community awareness by delivering anti- corruption training in Mawlamyaing on September 13-14 and Lashio on October 2-3. Forty-five participants from 40 CSOs and community based organization completed the training which was led by A2JI experts Daw Khin Ma Myo and Dr. Daw Nyo Thin, who discussed the UN Convention against Corruption and shared their international anti-corruption experiences. Daw Khin Ma Myo is the Executive Director of the Myanmar Institute of Peace and Security Studies and the Myanmar Institute of Gender Studies and Dr. Daw Nyo Nyo Thin is Director of the Yangon Watch Organization, a researcher, and founder of the School of Law, Gender and Politics. The training also included group discussions on the anti-corruption law, barriers to combating corruption, and the current Participants conduct group work during anti-corruption situation in Myanmar. The outcomes from this training training included:

 Increased awareness of corruption issues in various government sectors including Health, Education, and Immigration  Better understanding of the Myanmar Anti-Corruption Law and the UNCAC  Recognition of corrupt practices and how they threaten the rule of law  Recognition of the need for transparency, accountability and integrity to combat corruption  Increased ability to address corruption issues in local communities.

During the quarter, PRLP developed a scope of work for a consultant to support A2JI in their anti- corruption advocacy efforts. It is anticipated that an expert will be fielded before the end of the year to support development of a standard curricula, deliver training of trainers (TOT) for A2JI members, and develop a plan for promoting advocacy in local communities to address corruption.

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 are spread across five separate activities: (1) curriculum development based on PRLP’s Legal Aid Toolkit; (2) development of a legal aid case management database; (3) support to development of ILAM; (4) support to establishment of a national paralegal network; and (5) PRLP’s extensive grants program, each of which is discussed in detail below.

ILAM/IBAHRI (Project Area: Yangon and Regional Locations; Grant Period: 7 Dec 2016 to 6 Dec 2017) This quarter, PRLP continued support for ILAM through a grant to the International Bar Association’s Human Rights Institute (IBAHRI). The grant focuses on three major activities: establishment of ILAM’s secretariat, opening pilot legal libraries, and delivering continuing legal education (GPS). ILAM completed a CLE on August 5-6 in Dawei for 30 lawyers from various townships in the Tanintharyi Region that enhanced their skills to handle criminal and civil cases, including appeals. ILAM held their Members’ Day on September 9th at the Orchid Hotel in Yangon. More than 200 participants, including ILAM members, lawyers, law students and community members participated in a panel discussion on the Law Protecting the Privacy and Security of Myanmar Citizens. During the Members’ Day, ILAM distributed 300 brochures about their organization. The first issue of the ILAM Newsletter and the ILAM website (www.ilam.org.mm) was launched on September 23 during the Central Executive Committee meeting in Monywa, Sagaing Region. On the following day, ILAM launched the legal library in a ceremony that included high level officials including Dr. Myint Naing, the Prime Minister of Sagaing Region; U Win Myint, the Chief Justice of Sagaing Region; and U Khin Maung Hla, the Attorney General of Sagaing Region. (See text box.) As part of PRLPs ongoing efforts to build capacity and sustainability, the grants team completed training for the Yangon based secretariat staff. The trainings included a Financial Management and Report Writing Training on August 28-30 and the USAID Rules and Regulations Training on September 12. On September 24, ILAM inaugurated a new office and law ILAM also expanded their activities, library in Monywa. The Prime Minister of Sagaing Region, with support from other donors and Dr. the Honorable Myint Naing, attended this event and private agencies including a program noted “I am very glad to see that legal experts, the lawyers, have been brought together in a single association, and a on July 3-7, with the International legal library is being set up.” He went on to say that the Commission of Jurists on the establishment of the ILAM office and library in Monywa is International Covenant on Civil and a good omen, not only for the Sagaing region, but also for Political Rights. They also conducted the whole country. ILAM expects to open law libraries in a Real Estate Law program, with Yangon and Pathein before the end of 2017. These pilot funding assistance from the Toener libraries will serve as resource hubs for lawyers and the Group and China Pan-Mekong Law community, improve access to legal information, and Firm, during an ILAM Open House increase opportunities for legal education. Day on July 29 in Hlaing Tharyar, Yangon. Legal Aid Toolkit: Continuing Toolkit Roll-out and Curriculum Development. PRLP continued to provide the toolkit to various organizations delivering legal aid, including the International Bridges to Justice program which recently opened legal aid offices in Mandalay and Taunggyi and the Danish Institute for Human Rights. The Legal Aid Toolkit for Myanmar, is a dual-language self- education resource designed to inform and assist Myanmar’s legal aid providers in the development of their case analysis skills and organizational capacity. PRLP is also building a comprehensive

training curriculum around the Toolkit that can be implemented by organizations supporting legal aid providers or lawyers. In the previous quarter three modules were completed, which were translated into Myanmar during this quarter. The modules have structured session plans with skills- based practical activities, handouts for participants, agenda outlines, and pre- and post-assessments. The drafting process was led by Access to Justice Advisor, Debrah Mercurio, building upon her extensive experience supporting legal aid providers across Myanmar and also drawing lessons Previous grantee, Namati, continues to build the from established training practices proven National Paralegal Network to provide legal aid for needy citizens. The concept of a “paralegal” is still a effective regionally and internationally. new concept, but many people in Myanmar are The first three topics covered were Case volunteering to bridge the gap between justice services Analysis (Chapter 1), Alternative Dispute and communities and hold the government Resolution (Chapter 3), and Legal Aid and accountable. Daw Khin Than Htwe has spent her Legal Practice Management (Chapters 5 & career providing legal consultation and counseling to 6), with each topic building from and clients who have suffered from gender based violence linking into different chapters of the and child abuse. When she joined the National Toolkit. During this quarter, two additional Paralegal Network, she realized that she was not alone modules were completed on Trial Skills in providing this type of legal support to clients as a (Chapter 4) and Statutory Interpretation non-lawyer. She said, “I was not quite clear about the role of paralegals, but after I joined the National Skills, and translation of those are currently Paralegal Network as a working group leader, I came underway. to realize paralegals have an important role in justice reform in Myanmar.” Once finalized, the curriculum will be used by legal aid organizations to conduct trainings that build the capacity of staff and members, and to share this information to their wider networks of partners and beneficiaries. Strategic partnerships with UN Development Programme (UNDP), the EU, and other organizations have the potential to create “multiplier effects” for the Toolkit Curriculum, promoting widespread delivery of legal skills trainings, and helping to develop a common platform for more comprehensive support to Myanmar’s growing legal aid community.

Legal Aid Database. PRLP continued work with Zwenexsys, one of the leading ICT developers in Myanmar and a core member of the USAID-supported Phaandeyar community tech hub, to develop a legal aid database that will serve as a comprehensive case management system for any legal aid provider. The design of the database is based on the Legal Aid Toolkit and will collect critical information for better case management and reporting. During this quarter, My Justice and PRLP met with the developer to finalize questions and provide testing data. Following that meeting and updates to the system, PRLP monitoring and evaluation staff completed validation and worked with the developer to ensure that all updates were made. Zwenexsys is now developing the specialized reports that can be provided using data from the system. Once testing and final design are completed, PRLP intends to provide the database free of charge to any interested legal aid provider in the country, a move which will stimulate more complete data across the sector. PRLP will also provide first level training as well as a TOT on the system so that it can be widely utilized throughout the country.

Inclusive and sustainable data collection is key for legal aid organization. PRLP has already coordinated with the EU-funded My Justice program and UNDP to ensure widespread deployment of the system. With PRLP ending in late 2018, steps are being taken to ensure the long-term sustainability of the database as resource for legal aid providers. The EU program has agreed to continue supporting the

database for the following two years, demonstrating of the importance of close cooperation between donor-funded programs.

Screenshot of client intake form (English version) in legal aid database

Grants

PRLP is currently managing 13 Legal Aid grants and 5 TIP grants. On July 24-26, the PRLP grants team completed Project Cycle Management Training for all grantees and a Financial Management and Report Writing Training for the 5 TIP grantees and ILAM secretariat staff on August 28-30. These trainings are designed to build grantee capacity and promote sustainability of activities. Topics focused on USAID rules and regulations, timely and high-quality reporting, and financial management and organizational capacities. Below is a chart of the current grantees followed by specific information about each.

RFA 2016-007 – Legal Aid Initiatives Grants Grant No. Grantee Name Grant Title Grant Location PRL-G-007-001 Myitmakha News Agency Legal Aid Centers – Northern Shan Northern Shan PRL-G-007-002 Sagaing Region Youth Network Justice House Sagaing PRL-G-007-003 Myanmar Justice Association Rule of Law Project Mandalay PRL-G-007-004 Social Care Volunteer Group Rule of Law for Children Magway PRL-G-007-005 Green Peasant Institute Ayeyarwaddy Peasant Legal Aid Center Ayeyarwaddy PRL-G-007-006 Jeepyah Civil Society Her Justice Mon Development Organization PRL-G-007-007 Phoenix Association Community Participatory Legal Aid Mandalay, Initiative Yangon PRL-G-007-008 Mahawthadha Legal Aid Legal Aid for Farmers and Rural People Ayeyarwaddy Association PRL-G-007-009 Genuine People’s Servants Assistance for Victims of Injustice and Yangon, Mon, Human Trafficking Sagaing PRL-G-007-010 Second Tap Root Organization Justice to Rule of Law Mandalay PRL-G-007-011 Legal Clinic Myanmar Justice First Project: Access to Justice Kachin, for Women, Children, and Ayeyarwaddy Disadvantaged People PRL-G-007-012 Humanity Institute Kachin Legal Aid Center Kachin PRL-G-007-013 Integrated Development Promoting Rule of Law by Community- Northern Executive Association Based Legal Service Initiatives in Shan, Northern and Southern Shan State Southern Shan

RFA 2017-008 – Anti-Trafficking in Persons Initiatives Grants Grant No. Grantee Name Grant Title Grant Location PRL-G-008-001 Thwee Community Prevention of Human Trafficking Kayin Development Network Project PRL-G-008-002 Mawk Kon Local Prevention of Human Trafficking in Eastern Shan Development Organization Children, Youth and Women PRL-G-008-003 Genuine People’s Servants Prevention and Protection from Kachin, Northern Shan Human Trafficking PRL-G-008-004 Htoi Gender and Promoting Rule of Law for Anti – Kachin, Northern Shan Development Foundation Human Trafficking Project PRL-G-008-005 Karuna Mission Social Reducing Human Trafficking in Mandalay, Sagaing, Solidarity Myanmar Magway, Eastern Shan

Legal Aid Grants Myitmakha News Agency (MNA) (Project Area: Lashio and Nawnghkio, Northern Shan State; Grant Period: 27 April 2017 - 26 April 2018) MNA has opened two Legal Aid Centers in Lashio and Nawnghkio townships in Northern Shan State focused on overcoming challenges to access to justice for those affected by land seizure, drug trafficking, human trafficking, and related human rights violations. MNA target is to provide legal representation for 70 cases in two townships. They are currently managing 12 legal representation cases related to gender-based violence, land dispute issues, and drugs.

Sagaing Regional Youth Network (SRYN) (Project Area: Monywar, Sagaing Region; Grant Period: 26 April 2017- 25 April 2018) The SRYN Justice House Project aims to increase legal literacy, access to justice, and the participation of marginalized populations, especially women and children, in justice services. SRYN targets include 10 legal awareness lectures, 30 free legal representation cases, and 80 hotline responses to provide legal advice, counseling and consultations. This quarter, SRYN developed two cartoon booklets on abuse of women and children and the Convention on the Rights of the Child. These booklets were used for awareness raising in Salingyi, Ayadaw, and Yinmabin Townships. SRYN posted thirty-two billboards in project villages to raise awareness about child rape cases. They also provided legal representation in 10 cases and legal advice in 66 other legal matters this quarter. Myanmar Justice Association (MJA) (Project Area: Mandalay Region; Grant Period: 26 April 2017 to 25 April 2018) MJA is expanding awareness about the criminal justice system by empowering people to understand and access their rights. MJAs targets include 6 legal awareness workshops, providing legal advice to 24 clients and offering legal representation in 75 cases in 7 townships in the Mandalay city area. This quarter, MJA supported marginalized people who are vulnerable to discrimination by providing legal representation in 45 cases, and legal advice to 10 other clients. They also organized Human Rights and Rule of Law Legal Awareness Training in Aung Myay Thrzan Township on July 14, Pyi Gyi Tagon Township on August 18, and Chan Mya Tharzi Township on September 20.

Social Care Volunteer Group (SCVG) (Project Area: Magway Township and Yenangyaung Township, Magway Division; Grant Period: April 2017 to April 2018) SCVGs Rule of Law for Children program seeks to provide better awareness of child protection issues and improve access to justice for children. SCVG activities include an intensive paralegal training course and training for at least 20 paralegals who can expand that knowledge to 300 people in Magway and Yenangyaung Township. SCVG has targeted 15 free legal representation cases and

social support to 15 children who are facing criminal charges. During this quarter, SCVG implemented 7 legal awareness sessions in 7 villages (Le Kyinn Yoe, Alal Kan, Kan Ywar Lay, Hta Naung Hla, Magyi Kan, Tha Pyay San, Kan Gyi) in Yenangyaung Township for 360 people (Male: 157, Female: 203). SCVG also provided legal representation in 6 cases and provided social support (accommodation, transport and per-diem) to six clients who were on trial.

Green Peasant Institute (GPI) (Project Area: Ayeyarwaddy Region; Grant Period: 26 April 2017 - 25 April 2018) GPI, based in Pathein, is working to improve access to justice services by identifying weaknesses in land laws, advocating for law reform with the Hluttaw Farmers’ Affairs Inquiry Committee, and raising legal awareness through trained paralegals. GPI established a legal aid center in Pathein, with 11 trained paralegals, and is working to provide legal consultation and advice for 120 cases. During this quarter, GPI provided 47 legal consultations focused on land issues in the Ayeyarwaddy Region. On September 16, they completed an awareness raising event on land ownership law in Chaung Thar Village, where land confiscation has been a prevalent issue.

Legal Awareness Materials and Outreach by Grantees (through March 2017) Number Number Types (This Quarter) (Cumulative) Pamphlets 2150 28494 Newsletters - 6000 Manuals/booklets 50 149 Mon State Rule of law report - 2000 Legal service mapping - 4450 Others IEC (Books, Caps, Bags, Vinyl, etc.) 2084 2084 Total 4284 43177 Direct outreach contact to Citizens - 984 News stories published on lines media - 124

Jeepyah Civil Society Development Organization (JCSDO) (Project Area: Mon Sate; Grant Period: 26 April 2017 to 25 May 2018) JCSDOs Her Justice Project is providing a comprehensive local response to improve access to justice for marginalized women and girls in 7 townships of Mon State. Their targets include legal aid for 20 cases and legal advice/counseling for another 120, provided by trained paralegals. They also established a safe house for women victims/survivors, providing shelter, basic needs, counseling services and legal advice. During this quarter, JCSDO organized a paralegal workshop in Mawlamyaing on July 12-14, for 20 participants (Male: 2, Female: 18) including community and women leaders from Mudon, Thanbyuzayat, Ye, Kyaikmaraw, Mawlamyaing, Chaungzon and Paung Township. Utilizing paralegal support, JCSDO has provided legal representation in 10 cases, legal advice/counseling in 60 cases, and shelter for 20 women in the safe house.

Phoenix Association (Project Area: Yangon and in Mandalay Region; Grant Period: 08 May 2017-07 May 2018) Phoenix’s Community Participatory Legal Aid Initiative Project is enhancing access to justice for vulnerable populations in Hlaing Tharyar Township in Yangon and in Mandalay Region by engaging with legal aid lawyers, township and district-level courts, community legal aid mobilizers and other legal, social, and health-related stakeholders. Phoenix provides representation in sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) cases, offers legal advice using community legal aid mobilizers who can provide legal aid referrals and legal document preparation, and conducts community legal

literacy workshops. During this quarter, Phoenix utilized their cadre of 50 trained community legal aid mobilizers, to provide legal advice to 107 people, representation in 3 SGBV cases, and produced information, education, and communication (IEC) materials, including bags and T-shirts.

Mahawthadha Legal Aid Association (MLAA) (Project Area: Ayeyarwaddy Region; Grant Period: 26 April 2017 - 25 December 2017) The MLAA Legal Aid for Farmers and Rural People Project is working to increase legal literacy and access to justice in Ayeyarwaddy Division. Their targets include support for 25 legal advice and mediation cases, and legal representation in 15 court cases including land cases, criminal cases, and appeals. MLAA also promotes awareness using banners in 13 townships to increase understanding of legal rights. During this quarter, MLAA supported 11 clients in legal cases and provided legal advice/ mediation support in 18 cases, as well as posting 54 banners.

Genuine People's Servants (GPS) (Project Area: Sagaing Region, Yangon Region, and Mon State; Grant Period: 05 May 2017 - 04 May 2018) The GPS Assistance for Victims of Injustice and Human Trafficking Project aims to support marginalized people and human trafficking victims in Sagaing Region (Salingyi Township), Yangon Region (Hlaing Tharyar Township), and Mon State (Bilin Township) by providing general legal counseling, advice on legal procedures, and free legal representation. GPS utilizes 10 trained paralegals and has a goal to provide legal representations in 90 cases, legal procedure assistance for 100 people, and to submit 100 complaint letters in the three project townships. In this quarter, GPS provided legal advice for 31, assistance in 15 legal procedures, submitted 28 complaint letters, and provided legal representation in 30 cases. PRLP completed an Organizational Development Training for 25 GPS staff on September 27-29.

Second Tap Root Organization (STRO) (Project Area: Mandalay Region; Grant Period: 03 May 2017 - 02 May 2018) The STRO Justice to Rule of law Project is working to improve access to justice for poor children and support their families with the costs of trial expenses. They established a new office in Mandalay and plan to provide legal representation in 50 cases. During this quarter, STRO has represented 19 children. On July 3, they provided paralegal refresher training for 21 paralegals. These paralegals conducted baseline data collection for the anticipated Legal Aid Services Analysis Report.

Legal Aid Services Provided by Grantees (through September 2017) Achievement this Quarter Cumulative Achievement

Type of services Number Number of beneficiaries Number Number of beneficiaries of of cases # Men # Women Total cases # Men # Women Total Free legal representation 101 80 56 136 1211 1092 442 1534 Referral 13 4 9 13 328 167 166 333 Legal advice 244 113 166 279 1759 899 909 1808 Safe house - - - - 63 - 63 63 Mediation 2 - 2 2 22 17 29 46

Total 360 197 233 430 3383 2175 1609 3784

Legal Clinic Myanmar (LCM) (Project Area: Ayeyarwaddy Division and Kachin State; Grant Period: 3 May 2017 - 2 June 2017) LCMs Justice First Project is providing better access to justice for women, children, and disadvantaged people by expanding existing legal aid services in 9 targeted townships: 7 townships in the Ayeyarwaddy Division and 2 townships in Kachin State. LCM plans to offer legal aid in 50 cases and mediation services for 200 cases. They also operate a 24-hour legal aid hotline in both areas to facilitate these services and provide social support for 20 victims/survivors of sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV). During this quarter, LCM successfully formed 16 Access to Justice Supports Groups (A2JSGs) who organized five round table discussions. LCM has represented 37 people and provided legal advice to 207, mostly through the 24-hour hot-line, including counseling, referrals, and mediation. Most of the cases involve violence, trafficking, land issues, rape, child abuse, cheating, and homicide.

Humanity Institute (HI) (Project Area: Myitkyina, Mohnyin, Wingmaw Township, Kachin State; Grant Period: 04 May 2017 - 03 May 2018) The Kachin Legal Clinic Project is implemented by Humanity Institute (HI) which leads a group composed of the Kachin Legal Group and Shingnip Legal Aid Group. HI focuses on overcoming challenges in accessing justice for those affected by human rights violations. HI targets include providing legal representation in 20 cases, legal advice to 100 people, and the production and distribution of 1,000 legal aid pamphlets in local languages. During this quarter, PRLP completed a launch ceremony on July 1 in Myitkyina that included leaders from churches, the community, and CSOs. They focused most of their services on gender based violence, land issues, drugs cases, and rape cases, with representation in 5 cases, advice in 40 others, and production and distribution of 1,000 pamphlets.

Integrated Development Executive Association (IDEA) (Project Area: Nawnghkio and Taunggyi Township, Shan State; Grant Period: 06 May 2017 - 05 May 2018) IDEAs Community-Based Legal Service Initiatives Project supports the formation and capacity development of four Legal Watch Groups in Nawnghkio and Taunggyi utilizing extended community consultations, engagement on local legal issues, and stakeholder coordination. IDEA will provide a variety of services to vulnerable individuals, including direct legal representation for at least 20 cases, legal consultation services in at least 10 cases, and providing victim/survivor assistance for at least 10 cases involving SGBV or human trafficking charges.

On July 7, IDEA conducted a launch in Taunggyi, attended by high level government authorities including the Minister of Ethnic Affairs for Shan State, the Chief Law Officer of Shan State, advocates, and private lawyers from Taunggyi and Nyung Shwe. In addition to presenting the goals of PRLP, participants discussed the most pressing issues where legal support is needed, most notably land grabs by a local company. Community members were advised to report these cases to the ACC and/or the MCRB.

In early July, IDEA formed 4 Legal Watch Groups in Yay Pu and Sin Te villages in Taunggyi Township, and Loi Taung and Nant Lin Kham villages in Nawnghkio Township. The groups seek to improve legal literacy given the low level of understanding in the community. IDEA is already representing citizens in 2 cases and provided advice in 6 others. They also completed capacity building for the legal watch group on August 19-20 and a legal aid case identification and study workshop from August 29 – September 5. IDEA hosted a consultation meeting with local CSOs to address legal issues and problems on September 30th, in Taunggyi.

Anti-Trafficking in Person Grants Thwee Community Development Network (TCDN) (Project Area: Myawaddy, Kayin State; Grant Period: 03 July 2017 - 02 July 2018) The TCDN Prevention of Human Trafficking Project is working 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.

TCDN conducted a baseline survey of 145 respondents on August 16-19 in Myawaddy at the Thai-Myanmar Border Crossing. On August 22-23, following the baseline survey, a Legal and Anti- Human Trafficking Awareness Training was organized for both local community and migrants living in the Myawaddy area. TCDN completed capacity building for staff, including TOT training and organizational development training on July 5-9, and August 28, respectively. To commemorate the annual Myanmar Trafficking In Person

Day, TCDN organized a forum on the On September 16, TCDN commemorated the annual Prevention and Protection of Anti- Myanmar TIP Day with an event that included 239 Human Trafficking in Myawaddy on participants. The main feature of the event was a panel September 16, with more than 230 discussion on TIP and personal security. TCDN is participants including representatives of teaching communities to understand the law, recognize the Department of Social Welfare, the crime, and report it. A unique part of the program was General Administrative Office, Anti a Quiz Show where the students and community Trafficking Task Force, International participants demonstrated their knowledge of TIP to win Organization on Migration, MIGS, prizes. The event provided concrete information about Myanmar Women Affair Federation, how communities can address this human rights violation members of the National League for and prevent future trafficking of their vulnerable populations. Having a diverse group of leaders, Democracy Party, high school students, organizations, and community members together for this Ministry of Human Development and event provided an opportunity to expand collaboration, Security from Thailand, Immigration develop prevention efforts, and ensure an effective department from Thailand, civil society response to TIP. organizations, and the community. (See text box).

Mr. Sompop, Director from the Ministry of Human Development and Security from Thailand delivered the opening remarks and Thandar Tin, CSO team leader, presented the work of PRLP and our grantees to combat TIP in the region. Mahn Thein Zaw from TCDN shared the activities of their grant. The main feature of the event was a panel discussion on Human Trafficking and Personal Security that included Daw Khin Ma Myo from the A2JI Technical Resource Team. During the event the high school students raised numerous questions about trafficking of children and suggested the development of a pamphlet focused on child trafficking.

Mawk Kon Local Development Organization (MKLDO) (Project Area: Kengtung and Tachileik Township, Eastern Shan State; Grant Period: 07 June 2017 - 06 June 2018)

MKLDOs Prevention of Human Trafficking Project offers prevention services directed toward children, youth, and women in Kengtung and Tachileik Township area of Eastern Shan State. By forming core groups, MKLDO focuses on awareness raising of the human trafficking law, training and workshops, IEC development, and public campaigns in urban and rural areas. Kengtung is a trafficking in persons’ gateway to China and Thailand. Although the government is working to improve its response and compliance with international standards including the Association of Southeast Asian Nations Convention for Trafficking in Persons, many suspected cases go unreported due to the sensitive nature of the crime.

MKLDO completed anti-trafficking group workshops with local CSOs and the Maw Kwun Region Development Group on July 15, forming 11 core groups, and on July 18 at Tachileik Township, forming 6 core groups. These workshops highlighted sex trafficking and migration issues that occur mainly between Myanmar and Thailand and China. They also completed trafficking and migration workshops in Kengtung on August 11-12, Tachileik on August 18-19, as well as TOT training in Kengtung from September 4-8 and in Tachileik from September 18-22. On September 13th, more than 500 people participated in the 5th annual anti- trafficking day, commemorating the passage of the Myanmar TIP law. Participants included the Deputy State General Administrator, State Deputy People’s Police Force, State Anti-Trafficking Task Force (ATTF) commander, political parties, Members of Parliament, state and district level officers, and CSOs The event included regional cooperation with the Executive Director of the Foundation of Child Understanding based in Thailand, and 5 other participating foundations based in Chiang Rai. Events included essay, cartoon, poster, and painting Deputy State General Administrator views Exhibition of Myanmar Anti- Human Trafficking Day competitions for middle and high school students. These items were displayed in an exhibition at the event, which also included a video in local dialect to raise awareness. Daw Mi Ko, State ATTF commander expressed her support by saying: “We work together in Kengtung to combat TIP and to overcome issues in the Triangle area.” Genuine People's Servants (GPS) (Project Area: Lashio, Northern Shan State; Grant Period: 05 July 2017 - 04 July 2018) The GPS Prevention and Protection from Human Trafficking Project is promoting awareness about the Human Rights, Human Trafficking and Legal Mechanisms for internally-displaced persons (IDPs) in armed conflict areas. GPS provides 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). GPS plans to train 20 local-dialect trainers, conduct 18 awareness raising events, and provide legal representation in 10 cases. On August 15-20, GPS conducted TOT training in Lashio for 20 trainers who are skilled in local-dialects including Shan, Kachin, and Ta’ang. They will be assigned to conduct awareness raising activities in respective IDP camps. To date, GPS has completed 2 camp trainings in Kukkhai Township and handled 2 legal cases in Lashio Township.

Htoi (Win Let) Gender and Development Foundation (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 with their TIP Project they are providing protection and victims/survivors assistance through peer group meetings and psycho- social support. Htoi plans to represent victims in 10 cases, providing legal advice in 10 cases, conduct TIP TOT training, awareness training, and a curriculum development workshop. During this quarter, Htoi conducted TOT from July 25-27 at Shatapru KBC Church, which was followed by a Curriculum Building Workshop on July 28-29 at Ning Ja Training Center in Myitkyina. Village level TIP awareness raising events were conducted on August 14-16 in Momauk Township and September 19-21 in Bhamo Township. They also handled one legal representation case.

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 is promoting awareness on TIP and safe labor migration in targeted areas. KMSS targets include conducting 3 community leader mainstreaming trainings, 2 anti-human trafficking day campaigns, 50 awareness raising events, 150 community watch group events, 6 coordination meetings with the government sector, and 6 coordination meeting with CSOs, NGOs, and networks.

During this quarter, KMSS completed a staff capacity development and TOT training for 10 project staff on August 7-11, in Yangon. The training included a focus on safe migration, human trafficking, case management, and case referral systems. KMSS organized coordination meetings with the government in Shwe Bo Township (August 18), Aung Lan Township (August 25), and Kengtung Township (September 19-22). They also completed a community leader mainstreaming training on September 29 at Aung Lan Township, 14 TIP awareness raising training programs, and 21 community watch group awareness events in three project townships.

IV. Grantee Trainings, Workshops, and Conferences

GRANTEE TRAININGS AND WORKSHOPS (THROUGH SEPTEMBER 2017) Achievement this Quarter Cumulative Achievement Topic / Event Trainings/ Number of Participants Trainings/ Number of Participants Workshops M F Total Workshops M F Total Human rights and LGBT rights 13 193 138 331 trainings Basic Legal Research Skills 1 8 10 18 Training Capacity Building training for Junior 8 28 39 67 lawyers & Paralegals Community based 5 49 38 87 36 416 516 932 Paralegal trainings LGBT Rights and Paralegals 1 18 5 23 Trainings Paralegal Advance 8 24 58 82 Training Referral Strengthening 1 5 25 30 System Training Community based legal awareness 4 49 99 148 330 3859 5896 9755 training/workshops National Mock 4 37 119 156 Trial workshop National Myanmar CLE Summer 1 4 56 60 School training workshop Campaign on Domestic/ gender 35 1017 1664 2681 based violence Training on SGBV, CEDAW, women 3 22 39 61 33 170 376 546 rights and human rights issues / trafficking Communication/ presentation/ 5 28 57 85 facilitation skills training Skills trainings (case management, 2 19 35 54 14 129 199 328 interviewing,

GRANTEE TRAININGS AND WORKSHOPS (THROUGH SEPTEMBER 2017) Achievement this Quarter Cumulative Achievement Topic / Event Trainings/ Number of Participants Trainings/ Number of Participants Workshops M F Total Workshops M F Total counseling, mobilization) Human rights / 3 14 47 61 advocacy trainings Investigative journalism 2 8 5 13 trainings Citizen journalism 2 14 8 22 trainings Law review 16 439 238 677 workshops Total 14 139 211 350 513 6411 9456 15867

V. F-Level Indicators

Indicator FY17 FY18 Actual Target DR.1.3-1 Number of judges and judicial personnel trained with USG 1058 Total 872 Total assistance (disaggregated by sex) 478 Male 390 Male 580 Female 482 Female DR.4.2-2 Number of civil society organizations (CSOs) receiving 7 Total 7 Total USG assistance engaged in advocacy interventions

DR.6.3-1 Number of individuals from low income or marginalized 771 Total 1150 Total communities who received legal aid or victim’s assistance with USG support 407 Male 600 Male 364 Female 550 Female GNDR-6 Number of people reached by a USG funded intervention 77 Total 115 Total providing GBV services (e.g., health, legal, psycho-social counseling, shelters, hotlines, other)

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