Strengthening the Accountability and Transparency of the Legislative Process in the West Bank/Gaza (BAYAN)

USAID - March 31, 2008 - Back to Resources Page [1]

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This report covers the period between January 1 and March 31, 2008 of the
Strengthening the Accountability and Transparency of the Legislative Process
(BAYAN) project in the West Bank and Gaza. The work plan was approved on
November 7, 2007 and as approved is designed to strengthen the Palestinian
Government’s ability to research, analyze, draft and implement effective
legislation and also support civil society’s efforts to participate in the
legislative process and hold governmental institutions accountable for their
performance. During the reporting period, vetting approval for the Birzeit
University Institute of Law was rescinded and BAYAN redesigned and
postponed and/or cancelled program activities with the IoL. The redesigned
activities took advantage of the emerging opportunities to support the
Palestinian authority’s (PA) National Legislative Agenda Planning
Commission.

A summary of accomplishments during this reporting period include:

• Upon USAID approval, 5 grant agreements were signed with 5
Palestinian civil society organizations (CSOs) from the West
Bank and Gaza. Among other objectives, the small grants
provide the opportunity for CSOs and government to promote
mutual partnership and allow for CSOs to effectively engage in
public policy process. One special grant will strengthen the
capacity of newly elected government local councils in the West
Bank.
• Designed and conducted a Legislative Drafting training
workshop targeting senior legal staff representing various
ministries as well as PA independent institutions.
• Designed and conducted a Regulatory Impact Assessment (RIA)
training workshop targeting senior staff representing various
ministries, PA institutions as well as key CSOs.
• Organized and conducted two training programs (one each in
West Bank and Gaza to develop public budget analysis
capabilities of CSOs as well as select PA Ministry technical
staff.
• Continued to conduct numerous meetings with legal staff from
PA Ministries and other PA institutions to introduce BAYAN,
invite participation in the RIA and legislative drafting courses,
and conduct informal needs assessment. Demand to participate
in the trainings and utilize RIA and legislative drafting skills is
very strong.
• Provided USAID with timely and critical updates of major
events related to the PA and the National Legislative Agenda
Planning Commission.

To download the full report please click below:

Attachment	Size
PDACL648.pdf [2]	86.74 KB

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USAID - March 31, 2008 - Back to Resources Page [1]