USAID Assistant Administrator for Europe and Eurasia, Mr. Thomas O. Melia delivered remarks at the launch the USAID Justice for All project, underscoring the strong commitment of the United States Government to improve the justice system in Albania and restore citizens’ trust in the judiciary. Albania’s Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, Mr. Xhezair Zaganjori‎, also delivered remarks. In attendance were senior representatives of the justice sector, including Chief Judges from the Appellate, District, Administrative Courts, among others who will all be important stakeholders for this new project.

USAID Justice for All is a five-year (2016-2021) $9 million project that will assist judicial leaders to improve the performance of Albanian courts by introducing comprehensive judicial standards for efficiency, transparency, accessibility, and accountability. USAID will also provide assistance to civil society organizations and investigative journalism and media outlets to strengthen their roles as important actors in the justice reform process and as watchdogs for implementation of reforms.

Addressing the audience , USAID Assistant Administrator Melia urged Albanian leaders to move forward in passing justice reform, calling the proposed constitutional and legal changes “vital not only for a fair judicial system, but also for a well-functioning democracy. The time is now and delays harm Albania’s EU integration and the country’s development.” He also called civil society and the media instrumental for any reform process to gain public legitimacy and sustainability.

USAID has provided support to Albania’s justice sector for more than 15 years through programs focused on the judiciary, public law school, bar association, court administration, media, and civil society organizations. USAID Justice for All  will be  implemented by USAID Contractor East-West Management Institute represented by Chief of Party, Ms. Anne Trice.