The European Policy Institute (EPI) will implement the project in partnership with the Institute for Human Rights (IHR), the Macedonian Young Lawyers Association (MYLA), the Center for Legal Research and Analysis (CLRA), the Coalition "All for a Fair Trial" (CAFT) and the Helsinki Committee for Human Rights of the Republic of North Macedonia (HCHR).

Donor: Foundation Open Society - Macedonia 

Duration: from 01.05.2022 to 31.12.2022.

General goal: Increasing the influence of civil society organizations in the process of reforms in the judicial sector as a prerequisite for the protection of human rights and the provision of social justice.

Specific objectives:

1. Strengthening the process of monitoring the implementation of the Strategy for Reform of the Judicial Sector (2017-2022) with a focus on its impact on the protection of human rights and ensuring social justice, as well as contributing towards the preparation of the future Strategy for Reform of the Judicial Sector.
2. Advancing participatory policy making in the judicial sector by using an inter-sectoral approach, and cooperation with thematic networks and other civil society organizations.
3. Strengthening advocacy activities using an evidence-based approach in the judicial sector by civil society organizations.

The main activities of this project focus on research, networking and advocacy.

Expected results:

1. An objective and comprehensive assessment of the judicial reform process and its impact on human rights and social justice:
   • Updated monitoring methodology with indicators of its impact on human rights and social justice;
   • One semi-annual monitoring brief;
   • Analysis with a comprehensive assessment of the implementation of the existing Strategy for Reform of the Judicial Sector;
   • Focus group with judges/experts for the preparation of a policy paper;
   • Development of a policy paper based on the monitoring of the evaluation of the work of judges.
2. Strengthened cooperation between civil society organizations and thematic networks that enables the identification and articulation of their needs and demands in the justice reform process:
   • Active participation in the meetings of the justice sector group;
   • Established cooperation between the Blueprint group and platforms/networks that work on the judiciary, human rights and fight against corruption in the country and at the regional level;
   • At least two reports with future initiatives to improve the situation in the judiciary.
3. Civil society organizations apply evidence-based advocacy and are involved in key justice reform processes:
   • Revised Advocacy Plan;
   • A public event for the preparation of the Future Strategy for Reform of the Judicial Sector and the promotion of the Analysis with a comprehensive assessment of the implementation of the existing Strategy for Reform of the Judicial Sector;
   • Policy paper with recommendations for measures and activities for the future Strategy for Reform of the Judicial Sector;
   • Аctive participation in meetings of the Council for Reforms in the Judicial Sector and in working groups;
   • At least 3 position papers and comments on ENER;
   • Final conference.

Target groups: Ministry of Justice, Government of RSM, Secretariat for European Affairs, Supreme Court, Judicial Council, Public Prosecutor's Office, Council of Public Prosecutors, Academy of Judges and Public Prosecutors, Council for Monitoring the Reforms in the Judiciary, Association of Judges, Association of Public Prosecutors, the Macedonian Bar Association, the Chamber of Notaries, the Chamber of Executors, the Chamber of Mediators, thematic CSO networks, the civil sector, media and citizens of RSM.