Peru: The World Bank Approves $12 Million For Justice Services Improvement In Peru

Aviveros@worldbank.org
Lee Morrison (202) 458-8741

Lmorrison1@worldbank.org 
For more information on this project visit:
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Washington, March 4, 2004 – The World Bank today approved a $12.0 million loan for Peru to improve the delivery of justice services, strengthen justice sector institutions, and enhance public confidence in the justice system.

“This project is the first building block of a long-term institutional reform process to improve justice services for all Peruvians and enhance access to justice for the most disadvantaged groups,” said Marcelo Giugale, World Bank Country Director for Bolivia, Ecuador, Peru and Venezuela.  “More efficient, independent and transparent justice sector institutions are  a key instrument for strengthening the rule of law and achieving economic development in Peru.”

The Justice Services Improvement Project aims to assist the Government of Peru in establishing the basis of a new approach to the provision of justice services that will improve sector performance in terms of quality and timeliness of services delivered to the public, as well as enhance access to justice for the most disadvantaged groups. The project includes the following components:

·         Strengthening the independence of sector agencies through the development of modern human resource management and planning models;

·         Improving organizational performance to enable a stronger  focus on equitable, efficient, and effective service delivery; and

·         Enhancing access to justice for Peruvian society, in particular the poor, in cooperation with civil society organizations.

The  project will provide technical assistance to promote the institutional development of

four key agencies: the Judiciary, the National Judicial Council, the Judicial Academy, and the Ministry of Justice.

“Since justice sector institutions are essential to the promotion of the rule of law, this project is fundamental in order to strengthen the environment for better economic performance, and foster a predictable climate for investment,” said David F. Varela, World Bank task manager for the project.

And, Lisa L. Bhansali, World Bank task manager for the project, noted that“this project offers an opportunity to strengthen governance structures through improved coordination among the participating institutions and thus make justice services more responsive to the needs of all Peruvians, including support to local communities and judicial districts.” 

This single currency, fixed-spread loan is repayable in14 years, including 8 years of grace. Disbursements will run from 2004 through 2008.