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Australia and Philippines Launch New Justice Program to Strengthen Rule of Law

Large group of people smiling at the camera at the FAIRJustice program launch

A new justice program will support the enhancement of the administration of justice for women, children, Indigenous people, people with disabilities and other socially disadvantaged groups in the Philippines.

Tetra Tech is managing contractor delivering the Fostering Advancement of Inclusive and Rights (FAIR)-based Justice Program on behalf of Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) and in close collaboration with the Philippine Judiciary.

The Australian Government and the Supreme Court of the Philippines launched FAIR Justice on April 11 in a landmark move strengthening bilateral ties. The program underscores the shared commitment of both nations to upholding the rule of law, promoting rights-based justice and cultivating strong and accountable institutions crucial for the stability, security and prosperity of the Philippines and the broader Indo-Pacific region.

Building on more than 75 years of successful Australia-Philippines partnership, the AUD 10 million FAIR Justice initiative promises to further solidify this collaboration in advancing law and justice.

FAIR Justice will focus on improving the quality of adjudication and case management concerning socially disadvantaged groups, strengthening transparency and accountability and enhancing inclusion and accessibility in the delivery of justice. It aims to bolster the broader justice system and enhance coordination with DFAT’s investments in various critical areas, including countering terrorism, combating human trafficking and protecting children from online abuse and exploitation.

The program’s approach will centre around the cultivation of partnerships based on trust and mutual respect. It seeks to deepen Australia’s engagement with the Philippine Judiciary and the wider law and justice community, aligning with key reform agendas outlined in the Supreme Court’s Strategic Plan for Judicial Innovation (SPJI) 2022-2027 and the Philippine Development Plan (PDP) 2023-2028.

Key components of the program include fostering valuable partnerships between Philippine law and justice institutions and their Australian counterparts, such as the Federal Court of Australia and the Family Court of Australia. It will foster collaborations with civil society, the private sector and the donor community, all of whom play pivotal roles in supporting justice reforms in the country.

Through FAIR Justice, we are proud to support the Philippine Government to empower local communities and institutions for lasting change and expand on our commitment to thriving people, thriving communities and a thriving planet.

Learn more about the FAIR Justice Program.

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