Program Overview

Through a broad range of projects, USAID supports the development of institutions necessary for a future Palestinian state by promoting the rule of law, enhancing respect for human rights, and increasing civic engagement. These measures will collectively improve the capacity of the Palestinian Authority (PA) to meet its constituents' needs, thereby enhancing its reputation as a governing body. USAID also brings together individuals of different ethnic, religious, and/or political backgrounds in people-to-people activities that address the root causes of tension
and instability.

Goals

• Improve the capacity of PA institutions to deliver high-quality services to the
  public on a sustainable basis.

• Enhance communication and coordination among the PA, local governments,
  and civil society organizations.

• Promote peaceful coexistence through people-to-people projects.
  Active Projects

 

Active Projects

	Palestinian Authority Capacity Enhancement (PACE) (pdf, 323kb) PACE supports improvements in service delivery, financial and human resource management, and accountability and transparency within the PA. Implementing Partner: Chemonics; Life of Project: 09/26/2008-03/26/2013; Total Estimated Cost: $30,849,000.
	The Palestinian Justice Enhancement Program (PJEP) (pdf, 255kb) PJEP aims to strengthen public confidence and respect for justice sector institutions and the rule of law in line with the priorities and objectives of the PA. Implementing partner: Chemonics; Life of Project: 09/10/2010 - 03/28/2014; Total Estimated Cost: $14,994,749.
	Local Democratic Reform (LDR) (pdf, 400kb) LDR works with the Ministry of Local Government to improve service delivery by partner municipalities and increase citizen participation in local decision making. Implementing Partner: CHF International; Life of Project: 09/30/2005-12/31/2011; Total Estimated Cost: $36,999,952.
	Civic Participation Program (CPP) (pdf, 345kb) The Civic Participation Program (CPP) aims to reinvigorate the involvement of the Palestinian society in the decision-making process, in the monitoring and oversight of government institutions, and in the broader public sector discourse in order to ensure a more vibrant and robust democratic dialogue between the government and the citizens of the future Palestinian state. Implementing partner: Catholic Relief Services; Life of Project: 09/30/2010 - 09/30/2013; Total Estimated Cost: $17,934,743.
	Enhancing Palestinian Independent Media Project (EPIM) (pdf, 439kb) EPIM promotes informed dialogue between the PA and the Palestinian public, works to strengthen and professionalize the independent media sector. Implementing Partner: INTERNEWS; Life of Project: 09/29/2010 - 09/29/2013; Total Estimated Cost: $5,999,995.
	Civic Engagement Program (CEP) (pdf, 422kb) Through community-focused grants, CEP aims to improve the quality of life, to increase confidence in the peace process, and to offer viable democratic alternatives to Palestinians. The program also includes a flexible tool for responding to urgent humanitarian situations. Implementing Partner: ARD Inc.; Life of Project: 09/29/2008 - 01/31/2012; Total Estimated Cost: $62,500,000.
	Peace and Reconciliation Program (pdf,349kb) Through this small grant program, USAID brings together individuals of different ethnic, religious and/or political backgrounds in people-to-people activities that address the root causes of tension and instability. Implementing Partners: All for Peace Radio, American Friends of Neve Shalom, CARE International, Catholic Relief Services, Friends of the Earth Middle East, H.L. Education for Peace, Just Vision, Keshev, Parents Circle Families Forum, Right to Play, Search for Common Ground, Near East Foundation, Peres Center for Peace, Ben Gurion University, Adam Institute, Creative Associates, Citizens Accord Forum, Givat Haviva, Sikkuy, and Windows; Life of Projects: 18 months to three years; Total Estimated Cost: $20,023,392.

Successes

• Provided technical assistance to six PA Ministries to expedite service delivery,
  improve financial and human resource management, and enhance
  accountability and transparency.
  

• Improved elections management capacity, continuous voter registration
  capabilities, and voter services within the Central Elections Commission.

• Facilitated community-driven planning and oversight of public infrastructure
  projects in 41 municipalities.

• Supported the coalition for Independent Audio-Visual Media and an
  independent Israeli-Palestinian radio station.

• Increased trust and reconciliation among 17 Palestinian and Israeli
  communities through cooperation on shared environmental issues.

• Implemented activities for 2,400 children in Gaza promoting Social
  development and non-violent conflict resolution.

• Supported multi-media education and outreach programs that showcased the
  efforts of civic leaders to resolve the ongoing conflict.