Phnom Penh: December 20, 2024:  On Friday morning, the Ministry of Justice hosted a signing ceremony for a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Ministry and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). The event was presided over by Mr. Koeut Rith, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Justice, and attended by Ms. Alissar Chaker, UNDP Representative in Cambodia.

During the ceremony, Mr. Koeut Rith stated that the signing of the MOU represents the beginning of a new chapter in collaboration focused on justice system reform. He highlighted the importance of this partnership in promoting the rule of law, enhancing good governance, and increasing public trust in Cambodia's justice system. The MOU also reflects UNDP’s ongoing support to the Ministry of Justice, particularly regarding “Legal and Justice System Reform,” which is a key priority in the first phase of the Pentagon Strategy of the Royal Government of the 7th term of the National Assembly, under the leadership of Prime Minister Hun Manet.

The Memorandum of Understanding outlines four primary areas of focus:

1. Support to The National Authority for Out-of-Court Dispute Resolution (NADR): This includes strengthening mechanisms for out-of-court dispute resolution through planning, legal document development, human resource capacity building, and case management systems, with a particular focus on vulnerable groups such as women, children, persons with disabilities, and indigenous peoples.

2. Support for the Legal Aid System: The MOU aims to enhance the legal aid system through the implementation of digital solutions and adherence to international best practices to promote the right to access justice.

3. Promotion of Legal Awareness: Efforts will be made to improve public understanding of the law and individual rights while strengthening the public legal aid system. This will involve the development and execution of legal awareness initiatives, including mobile legal clinics in collaboration with law schools, public universities, and civil society organizations.

4. Enhancement of Professional Capacity: The agreement seeks to improve the professional skills of legal and judicial officials, as well as civil servants within the justice sector. This will include integrating gender responsiveness into capacity development programs, with an aim to promote gender equality and ensure effective and inclusive access to justice.

The signing of this MOU signifies a strengthened commitment to advancing legal reforms in Cambodia and fostering an accessible and equitable justice system for all.