September 2022 – August 2025

European Union/Council of Europe Joint Programme 

“Protecting human rights, rule of law and democracy through shared standards in the Southern Mediterranean (South programme V)”

financed under the Neighbourhood, Development and International Cooperation Instrument of the European Union

Context of the project

The CEPEJ, through its previous work under the South Programme I, II, III and IV, built strong relations with the judicial authorities and legal professionals of certain countries of the Region (Morocco, Tunisia and Egypt in particular). An "on demand" approach was pursued and aimed at meeting the specific needs of beneficiaries. Thus, responding to a request targeting the efficiency of justice the cooperation has evolved towards an approach more focused on the quality of justice and cyberjustice.

Achieving a better protection of human rights, rule of law and democracy in the Southern Mediterranean region in line with European and international standards is the overall objective of the fifth phase of the South Programme. Promoting the use of CEPEJ  tools through best practices sharing, round tables, conferences, workshops, and peer to peer exchanges will be essential. South Programme V builds upon the activities implemented under the previous phases, with a strengthened regional focus (regional activities targeting issues of common interest of the beneficiaries and supporting the existing regional networks) and providing tailored support to the beneficiaries of the region.

Objectives of the project

To strengthen the capacities of the Southern Mediterranean beneficiaries in the field of implementation of judicial reforms and the efficiency and the quality of justice systems, and to reinforce the dialogue and networking between justice professionals, institutions and bodies at national, regional and international level, based on the CEPEJ methodology and on European and international standards.

Expected results

• Regional, multilateral and bilateral events will be organised to raise awareness on the CEPEJ tools and methodology as well as best international practices, and to promote regional exchanges on good practices (as examples – improving data collection, introducing and operating judicial dashboards, promoting alternative dispute resolution and mediation tools)
• Regional events in the framework of existing networks will be organised (notably, the informal network of justice inspection services, the development of which was supported in phase IV of the South Programme), these networks will be consolidated, and further support will be provided
• Tailored support will be provided to the beneficiaries, on the national authorities’ demand (some examples – assessments and evaluations of the functioning of a judicial system, support in reducing backlogs and in introducing cyberjustice tools)

Beneficiaries

Ministries of Justice, High Councils of Justice, justice inspection services, pilot courts, courts’ staff, lawyers and other relevant beneficiaries in the region, Council of State of Egypt.