Key Accomplishment of 17 years of USG Assistance - Page 4

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Civil society and Media (1995-2009)

The USG has contributed significant resources to advance the process of democratization in Armenia by developing a vibrant civil society and independent media. Over the last decade, USG has supported cultivation of democratic institutions and worked towards building a democratic culture, which increased competition within elite circles and de-concentrated power by assisting grassroots efforts and NGOs with programs aimed at increased civic representation of the middle class and other agents for change. A number of USG interventions have led to increased capacity of civil society groups to provide policy advice and serve as watchdogs, strengthened financial viability of NGOs to ensure their sustainability, as well as improved legal and regulatory framework for NGOs operations. USAID has been a lead donor in supporting the formation and development of independent media in Armenia. While there is room for further improvement in this area, long-term support for print and broadcast media has enhanced independent media outlets’ professionalism and improved their prospects for financial viability.

Decentralization (1995-2009)

USAID has assisted local governments in Armenia to improve their internal management systems and their ability to implement transition reforms, to strengthen their oversight and fiscal responsibilities, and to help them increase their public accessibility and accountability. Recent USAID assistance has resulted in substantial improvement of service delivery by local governments in 38 cities of Armenia.

Justice sector/Rule of Law (1995-2009)

USG assistance in this area targets judicial and legal reform, enhancing the ability of the bar and judiciary to act as independent and impartial participants in, and commentators on, the legal reform process. One key effort builds the Prosecutor General’s ability to investigate and prosecute complex cases. USG assistance also promotes prosecutorial compliance with Council of Europe and other international rule of law standards that give prosecutors and defense attorneys equal standing in the courts. The USG provided extensive expert commentary to the Judicial Code that incorporates many of the 2005 constitutional reforms. The new Code is comprehensive and touches upon nearly every aspect of the judicial sector, including the establishment of new courts and court jurisdictions, judicial selection, judicial education and judicial discipline.