|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
  |
 |
  |
Nicaragua
>> Regional Overview >> Nicaragua Overview Program Data Sheet
524-001
USAID MISSION: Nicaragua
PROGRAM TITLE: Strengthening Democracy (Pillar: Democracy, Conflict and Humanitarian Assistance)
STRATEGIC OBJECTIVE AND NUMBER: More Political Participation, Transparency and Compromise, 524-001
STATUS: Continuing
PLANNED FY 2002 OBLIGATION AND FUNDING SOURCE: $ 3,722,000 (DA), $ 1,500,000 (ESF)
PRIOR YEAR UNOBLIGATED AND FUNDING SOURCE: $0
PROPOSED FY 2003 OBLIGATION AND FUNDING SOURCE: $4,510,000 (DA)
INITIAL OBLIGATION: FY 1995 ESTIMATED COMPLETION DATE: FY 2003Summary: The USAID democracy strengthening program in Nicaragua includes technical assistance and training to:
- develop the legal framework and strengthen the institutions needed to advance justice reform;
- assist governmental and non-governmental entities in increasing government transparency and accountability, and combating corruption;
- increase political participation and leadership in support of election activities; and
- strengthen civil society and human rights non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and their capacity for participation and advocacy;
Inputs, Outputs and Activities: FY 2002 Program: In FY 2001 USAID reoriented its democracy funding to provide essential elections support. In FY 2002 USAID will return to full implementation of its original democracy initiatives. USAID will obligate Development Assistance and Economic Support Funds for justice reform, civil society strengthening, greater political participation, and transparency in government.
Using ESF funding, work in the justice sector will focus on passage of the Penal Code and implementation of the Criminal Procedures Code through the provision of technical assistance and training, assuming that the GON fully supports the justice reform. USAID will also assist in implementation of the Administrative Litigation Code assuming that GON funding is made available for institutionalization of the code. USAID will provide training in the new criminal codes for judges, public defenders, prosecutors, and other participants in the justice system. USAID will assist in the establishment of the Prosecutor General's Office, providing training in budget preparation, setting up offices, and internal organization. USAID will offer technical assistance to support the expansion of the Public Defender's Office, assuming that the Supreme Court designs a modest expansion strategy, reflecting the lack of GON resources in this area. In collaboration with other donors, USAID will support initiatives to increase government transparency and accountability through technical assistance and training for governmental and non-governmental entities.
The GON administration that took office in January 2002 has identified justice sector reform as a high priority. Using DA funds, USAID will continue to provide grants to civil society and human rights organizations to develop their capability to support activities in areas such as human rights and the reform of corrupt democratic institutions. USAID will provide technical assistance and training to build citizens' understanding of their rights and responsibilities, and expectations of transparent, ethical behavior by government. USAID will work to strengthen the internal democratization of political participation through leadership training, technical assistance and other activities.
Planned FY 2003 Program: Justice sector reform is a clear priority for the new GON administration that took office in January 2002. USAID plans to use FY 2003 funds to complete its work in training members of the justice system in the Criminal Procedures Code and Penal Code early in FY 2003. USAID plans to continue to provide technical assistance and training for expansion of the Public Defender's Office and the Prosecutor General's Office. Given GON support, USAID will provide assistance in reorganization of the courts as part of the implementation of the criminal codes. Working closely with the new GON administration, USAID will be open to activities in FY 2003 to better support government transparency and anti-corruption objectives of both government and non-governmental entities. If demand is present, USAID will also use DA funds to continue training and technical assistance for strengthening democratic processes.
Performance and Results: USAID's support for Nicaragua's elections administration and for NGO observation and voter education activities helped to bring about free and fair presidential elections in November 2001. National and international observers praised the high voter participation and peaceful civic involvement.
USAID's support for justice reform contributed to passage of the new organic law for the judicial branch, the Administrative Litigation Code and a new Criminal Procedures Code. USAID expects passage of the Penal Code in 2002, together with the initiation of implementation of the Criminal Procedures Code, establishment of the Prosecutor General's Office, and expansion of the Public Defender's Office.
USAID expects that activities undertaken in support of this objective will support the establishment of mechanisms to monitor and prosecute acts of corruption. In addition, opportunities will increase for new leaders to emerge with the political parties, as will civil society organizations' voice and influence in public decision making.
Principal Contractors, Grantees, or Agencies: USAID activities in justice reform will be implemented through contracts with Checchi and Company (prime) and Florida International University (prime). Small grants will be provided to Nicaraguan NGOs to strengthen civil society, promote reforms and protect human rights. Assistance to increase government accountability and transparency will be carried out through agencies designated by the new GON administration and through NGOs.
US Financing in Thousands of Dollars
524-001 More Political Participation, Transparency and Compromise DA ESF Through September 30, 2000 Obligations 16,370 8,598 Expenditures 13,073 5,961 Unliquidated 3,297 2,637 Fiscal Year 2001 Obligations 4,950 3,095 Expenditures 3,844 3,362 Through September 30, 2001 Obligations 21,320 11,693 Expenditures 16,917 9,323 Unliquidated 4,403 2,370 Prior Year Unobligated Funds Obligations 0 0 Planned Fiscal Year 2002 NOA Obligations 3,722 1,500 Total Planned Fiscal Year 2002 Obligations 3,722 1,500 Proposed Fiscal Year 2003 NOA Obligations 4,510 0 Future Obligations 0 0 Est. Total Cost 29,552 13,193
 |
|||
Last Updated on: May 29, 2002 |
