USAID

PROMOTING THE RULE

OF LAW PROJECT
QUARTERLY REPORT NO. 17: OCTOBER – DECEMBER 2017

USAID

PROMOTING THE RULE OF LAW PROJECT

QUARTERLY REPORT: April – June 2017

USAID

PROMOTING THE RULE OF LAW PROJECT

QUARTERLY REPORT: April – June 2017

Grantee conducts trafficking in persons awareness activities in Myawaddy

i
USAID

PROMOTING THE RULE OF LAW PROJECT

QUARTERLY REPORT: October - December 2017

Task Order No. AID-486-TO-13-00008

CONTRACTOR: TETRA TECH DPK

DATE: January 9, 2017

This publication was produced for review by the United States Agency for International
Development. It was prepared by Tetra Tech DPK.
The authors’ views expressed in this publication do not necessarily reflect the views of the United
States Agency for International Development or the United States Government.

ii
Table of Contents

I. List of Acronyms ................................................................................................................3

II. Executive Summary ...........................................................................................................4
III. Program Activities by Objective/Component .................................................................6
Objective 1: Promote More Effective, Accountable, and Accessible Justice Sector
Institutions .............................................................................................................................. 6
Objective 2: Increase Legal Literacy, Access to Justice for Marginalized Populations in
Target Regions/States ........................................................................................................... 17
IV. Grantee Legal Aid Services, and Legal Awareness and Outreach Activities ............27
V. Grantee Trainings, Workshops, and Conferences ........... Error! Bookmark not defined.
VI. Map of PRLP Activities .................................................................................................31

Attachments:

Attachment 1: Trip Report, Stephanie Gruner Buckley

Attachment 2: USAID Success Story: Paralegal Network enhances access to justice

Attachment 3: USAID Snapshot: Advocacy in Action

Attachment 4: USAID First Person: Delivering Access to Justice in Rural Regions

Attachment 5: USAID Success Story: Safe House offers new lease on life

Attachment 6: USAID Snapshot: Paralegals obtain rights for local farmers

Attachment 7: USAID Snapshot: Legal aid lawyers protect human rights

Attachment 8: USAID Snapshot: Protecting human rights of children

Attachment 9: USAID Snapshot: Addressing corruption to protect human rights

2
I. List of Acronyms
A2JI Access to Justice Initiative
AAPTIP Australia Asia Program to Combat Trafficking in Persons
ACMS Automated Case Management System
ACC Anti-Corruption Commission
BEHS Basic Education High School
CC Central Committee
CEC Central Executive Committee
CEDAW Convention on the Elimination of all Forms of Discrimination Against Women
CLE Continuing Legal Education
CMP Case Management Plan
CSO Civil Society Organization
DCOP Deputy Chief of Party
DSW Department of Social Welfare
EU European Union
GAD General Administrative Department
GPI Green Peasants Institute
GPS Genuine People's Servants
HI Humanity Institute
IBAHRI International Bar Association’s Human Rights Institute
ICT Information and Communications Technology
IDEA Integrated Development Executive Association
IDP Internally-Displaced Person
IEC Information, Education, and Communication
ILAM Independent Lawyers’ Association of Myanmar
JCSDO Jeepyah Civil Society Development Organization
KMSS Karuna Mission Social Solidarity
LCM Legal Clinic Myanmar
LGBT Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender
MJA Myanmar Justice Association
MKLDO Mawk Kon Local Development Organization
MLAA Mahawthadha Legal Aid Association
MNA Myitmakha News Agency
MP Members of Parliament
NDI National Democratic Institute
NGO Non-Governmental Organization
OSCU Office of the Supreme Court of the Union
PEA Political Economy Analysis
PIO Public Information Officer
PRLP Promoting the Rule of Law Project
SCVG Social Care Volunteer Group
SGBV Sexual and Gender-Based Violence
SRYN Sagaing Regional Youth Network
STRO Second Tap Root Organization
TCDN Thwee Community Development Network
TIP Trafficking-in-Persons
TOT Training of Trainers
UAGO Union Attorney General’s Office
ULAB Union Legal Aid Board
USAID United States Agency for International Development
UNDP United Nations Development Program

3
II. Executive Summary

The USAID Promoting the Rule of Law Project (PRLP) continued to focus on building more
effective, accountable, and accessible justice sector institutions during this last quarter of project
year four. PRLP activities support the Office of the Supreme Court of the Union (OSCU) and the
courts, the Union Attorney General’s Office (UAGO) and the law offices, increase legal literacy,
improve access to justice, and develop civil society capacity to engage in public policy
development and advocacy. Achievements in each of the components during this quarter are
described below:

Component 1: Support the development of a Comprehensive Strategy for National Rule of

Law Reform. PRLP completed a Political Economy Analysis (PEA) that outlined the current rule
of law context in Myanmar and provided recommendations on where gains can be made. After
significant field work and analysis, a report was developed and submitted to USAID in November.
Plans for the study tour in February 2018 continued with the procurement of an organization to
lead the tour and the development of the agenda. PRLP conducted follow-up trafficking-in-persons
(TIP) training in November for the UAGO and its law officers, as well as training for the
Independent Lawyer’s Association of Myanmar (ILAM) and a Hluttaw roundtable, in collaboration
with the National Democratic Institute (NDI).

Component 2: Enhance the Capacities of the Union Attorney General’s Office. PRLP staff
worked with the three newly designated pilot law offices and an architect to develop plans to
reorganize the offices and make them more efficient. The PRLP Court Information and
Communications Technology (ICT) expert developed automated daily case diary forms for law
officers and, also created a mechanism for the Law Office to access the court calendar at the pilot
court. PRLP conducted two 3-day media training and training of trainers (TOT) for 36 OSCU and
35 UAGO Public Information Officers (PIO) in Nay Pyi Taw. The training included mock press
conferences and videotaped interviews to build capacity to ensure that accurate and timely public
information is provided to media outlets and to enhance awareness raising activities.

Component 3: Support to Judicial Self-Governance and Judicial Reform. PRLP continued

implementing case management and pre-trial procedures in the pilot court. In collaboration with
the OSCU, PRLP led a one-year evaluation workshop of the five additional pilot courts. The
results from these courts included a reduction in postponements of criminal cases (38.9% to 30%)
and civil cases (39.4% to 34.1%), as well as a reduction in the number of hearings needed to dispose
of a case from 14 to 10 in criminal cases and from 26 to 24 in civil cases. Court user satisfaction
improved from 68% to 77%. PRLP served as the lead technical advisor to the OSCU working group
to develop their five-year strategic plan for 2018-2022 and their action plan for 2018, both of which
have now been submitted to the Chief Justice and the OSCU Executive Committee. This plan
addresses, among other reforms, a nationwide legal aid program and the implementation of the
Case Management Plan (CMP) throughout the county, incorporating the lessons learned from the
pilot court program.

Component 4: Develop the capacity of civil society to engage in public policy development
and advocacy. PRLP is currently managing 13 Legal Aid grants and 5 TIP grants and working to
building the capacity of grantees to sustain their efforts. (See Component 4, Objective 2 discussion
of activities of each grantee). During this quarter, grantees provided legal aid for 430 beneficiaries
(197/M and 233/F) and provided 2,557 awareness raising materials. PRLP conducted fund-raising
and sustainability training for civil society organizations (CSOs) in December to build skills that
can ensure their continuation beyond the life of the project. In collaboration with NDI, PRLP and
the Access to Justice Initiative (A2JI) conducted a roundtable on anti-corruption measures with

4
Members of Parliament (MPs) on October 25, with A2JI providing their analysis of the law and
recommended amendments.

5
III. Program Activities by Objective/Component

Objective 1: Promote More Effective, Accountable, and Accessible Justice Sector

Institutions

During this quarter, PRLP supported a combination of activities that

contribute to the overall enhancement of justice sector effectiveness,
accountability, and accessibility in Myanmar. A PEA was completed
this quarter, with a report provided to USAID in early November.
COMPONENT 1: PRLP continued to promote cross-cutting activities on TIP awareness
SUPPORT THE including TIP training for UAGO law officers and private attorneys,
DEVELOPMENT OF as well as through the implementation of five TIP related grants. Plans
A COMPREHENSIVE are well underway for a study tour in February for participants from
the OSCU, UAGO, ILAM, and the Union Legal Aid Board (ULAB).
STRATEGY FOR
NATIONAL RULE OF Study Tour – PRLP completed the procurement for a vendor to
LAW REFORM manage the study tour which is planned for February 2018. The visits
will focus on judicial training institutions, bar association services,
judicial discipline mechanisms, public defender and legal aid services,
and prosecution related programming involving victims and
witnesses. PRLP began collecting all required data to initiate the visa
process and comply with USAID and TraiNet requirements.

Rule of Law Forum – The Rule of Law Coordinating Body is planning

to conduct an international rule of law forum to begin the first steps
toward the development of a Justice Sector Reform Strategy. This
forum is anticipated to be held in February, depending on the
availability of Aung San Suu Kyi, who has been invited to deliver the
opening remarks. The event is anticipated for 2 days in Nay Pyi Taw
and will include approximately 250 participants from local justice
sector institutions and international contributors. PRLP, along with other international donors, will
provide financial and/or technical support to this forum. It is anticipated that PRLP would be
responsible for providing a high-level speaker on judicial accountability and efficiency.

Political Economy Analysis (PEA) – During this quarter, PRLP completed a PEA with field work,
which included extensive meetings, interviews, and focus groups conducted between September
27 and October 17, 2017 in both Yangon and Nay Pyi Taw. The PEA expert analyzed the
information and developed a report that was submitted to USAID on November 3, for their review
and comments. The PEA team utilized the USAID Applied Political Economy Analysis tool
developed by the USAID Democracy Rights and Governance Center of Excellence, which is
designed for flexibility and adaptability to a variety of circumstances. The USAID framework
delineates the various factors, issues, and circumstances that combine to form the political and
economic systems and context present at a particular time and place. The PEA sought to improve
understanding of the interaction of political and economic processes that distribute and give effect
to power, of the relationships that define the context of Myanmar and its rule of law actors. There
were four “levels” of analysis: reviewing the foundational conditions; institutional arrangements;
developments that constitute the “here and now;” and the dynamics of how these factors interact.

Cross-cutting. In collaboration with the Australia Asia Program to Combat Trafficking in Persons
(AAPTIP), PRLP conducted 2 training programs for district law officers emphasizing the
importance of conducting pretrial interviews with TIP victims and coordinating with police during

6
the investigative and pretrial stages. The first training, held November 7-8, was an advanced two-
day session for 20 law officers who discussed their experiences in conducting the new pre-trial
interview procedures which were introduced in June. The second workshop, held November 9-11,
with 25 participants exposed less experienced law officers to the new pretrial interview procedures.
Both workshops emphasized the importance of adhering to internationally recognized pretrial
interview guidelines adopted by the UAGO. The UAGO Director General Daw Khin Cho Ohn,
head of the Prosecution Department, participated in the training programs.

The following week, PRLP’s TIP expert

conducted a one-day training workshop in
conjunction with ILAM for 34 attorneys
interested in TIP litigation, exposing them to
the new procedures adopted by the UAGO.
PRLP and NDI also collaborated to conduct
a roundtable with MPs at the Hluttaw, led by
the TIP expert. Participants included
members of the Human Rights Committees
and the Bills Committees of both chambers
with the discussion focusing primarily on
issues surrounding Myanmar’s current TIP
law and possible amendments to the law. ILAM attorneys learn techniques for handling TIP cases

Cross-cutting activities involving legal aid included the ongoing legal aid initiative grants and
support to the OSCU and the ULAB as they prepare to implement the recently enacted Law on
Legal Aid (See Component 3 and Objective 2 below).

7
 During the quarter, PRLP developed plans for reorganizing pilot law
offices, conducted follow-up TIP training for law officers, and
conducted media training and mentoring for UAGO personnel.

COMPONENT 2: Pilot Law Office Program Activities. In late October the Deputy Chief
ENHANCE THE of Party (DCOP) and PRLP staff met with the UAGO Pilot Law Office
CAPACITIES OF THE Management Committee to discuss recent visits to the Chan Aye
Tharzan Township Law Office and the Pyin Oo Lwin District Law
UNION ATTORNEY Office, both in the Mandalay Region, and the Mawlamyaing Township
GENERAL’S OFFICE Law Office in Mon State and develop next steps, particularly in relation
to reorganizing the layout of these offices for better efficiency. During
the meeting PRLP provided recommendations from the architect to
improve office space lay-out and design and equipment needed to
improve the work space. In December, PRLP finalized the lay-out with
the architects and submitted the plans to the UAGO supervisory
committee for pilot law offices for final approval. PRLP also provided
a total of 125 legal texts selected in consultation with the law officers
to each of the pilot law offices.

PRLP recommended the use of a coordination meeting with justice stakeholders to improve
efficiency of prosecutions. In response, the Attorney General sent a letter about the pilot law office
program to the President’s Office asking for support from, and coordination with the other
ministries and offices.

Pilot Law Office - Automated Case registration and Data Collection - Last quarter PRLP
Information and Communications Technology (ICT) Expert consultant, Dr. Kazimierz Lobaza,
conducted on-site visits during September to the pilot law offices at Chan Aye Tharzan and Pyin
Oo Lwin to carry out a review and assessment of the current manual registration and data collection
systems in the law offices. Based upon his visits to the pilot law offices, Dr. Lobaza developed
recommendations for an automated registration and data collection system and a quick wireless
method to transfer court docketing information to the law office for advance notification of case
scheduling. During this quarter, Dr. Lobaza developed an automated daily case diary forms for law
officers which will be tested in Chan Aye Tharzan Pilot Law Office. He also created a mechanism
for the Law Office to access the court calendar through the Automated Case Management System
(ACMS) at Chan Aye Tharzan Pilot Court. PRLP staff installed the automated forms and provided
training to law officers in Chan Aye Tharzan Law Office for the testing phase.

Planning and Preparation for Continuing TIP Skills Course for UAGO Law Officers. PRLP
conducted TIP training, both advanced and initial,
in collaboration with AAPTIP in November. This
program built on the previous themes of pretrial
preparation and interviews with victim/survivors
and witnesses and dovetails with Law Officers’
Pretrial Engagement with Victim/Survivors and
Witnesses. The Prosecutor Guidelines for Pretrial
Preparation Interview of Victims in TIP Cases, a
product of the previous TIP trainings, highlights
the crucial role of such engagement in the trial
preparation process. The guidelines emphasize the
need for a modern and advanced judicial systems
to address the specific needs of victim/survivors Law officers learn techniques for a victim-focused
and witnesses. The training was by two TIP approach to handling TIP cases

8
experts for district law officers emphasizing the importance of conducting pretrial interviews with
TIP victims and coordinating with police during the investigative and pretrial stages. The first
training, November 7-8, was an advanced two-day session for 20 law officers who discussed their
experiences in conducting the new pre-trial interview procedures which were introduced in June.
The second workshop, November 9-11, with 25 participants was a three-day session exposing less
experienced law officers to the new pretrial interview procedures. Both workshops emphasized the
importance of adhering to internationally recognized pretrial interview guidelines adopted by the
UAGO. The UAGO Director General Daw Khin Cho Ohn, head of the Prosecution Department,
participated in the training programs.

The following week, PRLP’s TIP expert conducted a one-day training workshop in conjunction
with ILAM for 34 attorneys interested in TIP litigation, exposing them to the new procedures
adopted by the UAGO. PRLP and NDI also collaborated to conduct a roundtable with MPs at the
Hluttaw, led by the TIP expert. Participants included members of the Human Rights Committees
and the Bills Committees of both chambers with the discussion focusing primarily on issues
surrounding Myanmar’s current TIP law and possible amendments to the law.

Public Information and Public Outreach Training. PRLP fielded Media Expert, Stephanie Gruner
Buckley, to follow up on her previous work with both the UAGO and the OSCU. |The media
specialist met with the UAGO to review progress toward the previously developed three-year work
plan UAGO Public Outreach Work Plan: October 1, 2016 - October 1, 2019 and sought to build
on those efforts. PRLP also provided a mentoring session, including a website review for the
OSCU. This assistance was followed by
media training and training of trainers for
the OSCU (36 participants) and UAGO (35
participants) PIOs in Nay Pyi Taw on
November 29-December 1 and December
5-7, respectively.

During these two separate training

sessions, the PRLP Media Expert
conducted mock press conferences and
videotaped interviews to build skills of
judges, law officers, and court personnel
charged with media relations for the court Participants conduct mock press conference during media training
and attorney general’s office. A common theme of both trainings was to ensure that those officials
responsible for public information provide timely and accurate information to media outlets and to
improve their capacity to engage in community awareness raising activities. The training included
one day of TOT to build sustainability and ensure that PIOs can train other personnel throughout
the courts and law offices to improve their communication skills and enhance the public image of
the justice sector. Based on the training program and requests from partners, the media expert
provided various materials that were translated and provided to the OSCU and UAGO including
frequently asked questions, a sample press release, and a checklist for speaking with the media.

9
 PRLP continued support for the eight pilot courts to build case
management procedures and ensure data collection is sustained.
PRLP supported the development of the OSCU Judicial Strategic
COMPONENT 3: Plan for 2018-2022 with technical assistance to the working group
responsible for drafting the strategic plan. Customer service trainings
SUPPORT TO were replicated in additional courts. PRLP continued to test and
JUDICIAL SELF- improve the ACMS and to provide equipment necessary to support
GOVERNANCE AND court ICT capabilities.
JUDICIAL REFORM
Pilot Courts Program Overview. Current pilot courts include the
three initial pilot courts in Hlaing Tharyar Township Court (Yangon
Region), Hpa An Township Court (Kayin State), and Taungoo
District Court (Bago Region), as well as the five expansion pilot
courts in Chan Aye Tharzan Township Court (Mandalay Region), the
Magwe Township Court (Magwe Region), the Pathein Township Court (Ayeyarwaddy Region),
the Monywa District Court (Sagaing Region), and the Mawlamyaing District Court (Mon State).
The design of PRLP’s pilot court program incorporates a robust activity of regular data collection
which is necessary for a more complete understanding of what works in the system and where
adjustments and modifications can be made for better programming and implementation.

Court user surveys and pending and closed case surveys are conducted annually for each pilot court.
The recent surveys of the eight courts measured such elements as timing on case processing, level
of delay and postponements, number of hearings per case, backlog management, the result of which
provide a picture of the overall effect of the Case Management Plan (CMP). PRLP is continuing to
support these pilot courts to promote more effective, accountable, and accessible justice sector
institutions.

On Nov. 17, PRLP conducted a site visit with

the USAID General Counsel, David Moore,
and USAID/Burma Democracy &
Governance personnel at Hlaing Tharyar
Township Court. USAID met with the Chief
Judge of the court, discussed the pilot court
program, and observed court operations.
Hlaing Tharyar is one of the busiest courts in
Myanmar and has recently moved to a new
courthouse that incorporates design features,
such as public space, information counters,
and signage in compliance with the PRLP USAID General Counsel, David Moore, observes the electronic
courthouse design model. process for recording witness statements at a pilot court.

Pilot Courts – One-Year evaluation workshop. On November 21-22, PRLP conducted an

evaluation workshop with the OSCU to discuss the results of the five expansion pilot courts and
their progress utilizing the CMP. This workshop followed a PRLP-led two-year evaluation
workshop held the previous quarter which studied the two-year experience of the three initial pilot
courts. Supreme Court Justice Myo Thint, the Chair of the Judicial Strategic Plan Implementation
Committee, and Daw Aye Kyi Thet, Director General of the Judicial Supervision Office led the
event with the participation of judges and court staff from the five expansion pilot courts. The

10
results included a reduction in postponements of
criminal cases from 38.9% to 30% and in civil
cases from 39.4% to 34.1%, as well as a
reduction in the number of hearings needed to
dispose of a case from 14 to 10 in criminal cases
and from 26 to 24 in civil cases. Court user
satisfaction improved from 68% to 77%. These
gains have been made despite challenges such as
limited internet access and the yearly transfer of
judges between courts, requiring additional
learning time and loss of institutional
knowledge. This workshop was particularly Judges participate in the Pilot Courts One-Year Evaluation
important given that the OSCU five-year Workshop held in November in Nay Pyi Taw.
strategic plan includes the national roll-out of the
CMP which will incorporate the pilot court procedures. The charts below provide more data:

11
Customer Service Training Support. PRLP continued to support the OSCU as they replicate the
customer service training developed earlier in the year. Those trained in the TOT program are now
serving as trainers for other court personnel.
This program is improving service to the Customer Service training improves public
public and seeks to combat negative assistance and enhances confidence
perceptions about the courts. The training
focuses on building positive and productive
interactions with all court users bringing
benefits not only to the public but also
attorneys, police, and litigants who interact
with the court on a daily basis. The training
provided new techniques and
communication skills to create a culture of
customer service at the courts. Sessions
included effective listening skills, the
importance of initial intake, the physical During the last week of October, PRLP supported
environment, and assessing improvement refresher training for 40 judges (20 female, 20 male) that
using the Q10 methodology. The Q10 focused on case management techniques and replicating
customer service concepts developed by PRLP in pilot
methodology utilizes a brief ten question courts. Conducting this training illustrates the trust
survey of court users to measure customer PRLP has garnered from OSCU leadership and the
perception. (See graphic below for results strong support for procedures developed in the pilot
from Q10 survey of 2nd group of pilot courts.) courts. Exposing judges to these new case management
The training has now reached 1,078 procedures, which will soon be adopted nationwide, and
beneficiaries, including 550 women and 528 to enhanced service concepts is improving efficiency
and better addressing the needs of court users.
men.

12
During the quarter, the OSCU conducted customer services training at Nyaung Oo District Court
(Mandalay Region), Pyin Oo Lwin District
Court, and Kyaut Se District Court,
including staff from associated township
courts. On October 27, PRLP staff support
customer service training for new judges
participating in the recruitment training at
the Judicial Training Center in Yangon. On
Saturday and Sunday, November 11-12,
PRLP staff supported the customer service
training in Kalay District in the Sagaing
Region. Participants included judges and
court staff from the courts under Kalay,
Maw Light and Thamu Districts. The OSCU utilized interactive techniques to train on customer
service for the Kalay District Court

Pilot Court Program: Continued Development of ACMS. The use of outdated manual case
processing procedures is a factor in case delay in the Myanmar courts, and a primary cause for the
lack of comprehensive and verifiable data upon which justice sector management decisions can
rely, both at the Union level and locally. Since May of 2017, two pilot courts have been involved
in developing and testing a prototype automated case management process: Pathein Township
Court (Civil) and Chan Aye Tharzan Township Court (Criminal). PRLP provided database training
for the calendaring/case scheduling module and the bailiff component of the ACMS at Chan Aye
Tharzan Township court from October 14-17.

PRLP staff met with the pilot court committee of Hpa An in early November including the Head
of the Judicial Department of the High Court of Kayin State to discuss the Case Management Plan
for Hpa An. The staff also conducted refresher training for court staff on the Excel tracking data
base at Hpa An Township Court. Attendees also included staff from other courts as requested by
the Chief Justice of Kayin.

Continuing Support to Strategic Planning for OSCU. PRLP continues to serve as the lead technical
advisor to the OSCU’s Strategic Planning Working Group. In 2014, PRLP provided support to
develop the first OSCU Strategic Plan – 2014-2017. Now, PRLP has assisted the OSCU to develop
a more ambitious five-year plan (2018-2022) that addresses, among other things, a nationwide legal
aid program and the implementation of the ACMS throughout the country, incorporating the
lessons learned from the pilot court program. Since late July, the working group met regularly to
develop the plan framework, with specific activities and performance indicators. The discussions
are based on earlier consultations with justice sector stakeholders, which were conducted with
USAID support. PRLP staff, including the DCOP and Senior Justice Program Manager,
participated in these sessions and provided technical assistance to the Working Group to help
ensure that the strategic plan is comprehensive, realistic, and addresses important due process and
human rights concerns. The working group finished their draft in November and submitted it to the
Chief Justice. The OSCU presented the Strategic Plan to the donor community in an event at the
Supreme Court on November 30. Interested donors submitted proposals outlining their intended
support which was then incorporated in the final plan which will be printed and distributed next
quarter.

Planning for New Legal Aid Law Implementation. The ULAB was appointed in late November and
PRLP met with the board to discuss future collaboration. During the meeting, PRLP discussed the
previously developed and approved implementation and related activities, including the Legal Aid
Toolkit, accompanying curriculum, and legal aid electronic case management system. The ULAB
is now organizing their operations, developing their operational regulations, and making plans to

13
open an office. PRLP in including a member of the ULAB in the U.S. study tour since the tour will
also address delivery of legal aid. PRLP also provided the ULAB with information about types of
legal aid systems and general considerations for developing a system. PRLP is providing the ULAB
with material and technical assistance to ensure development of an effective legal aid system.

PRLP had previously developed an implementation plan for the legal aid law which was approved
by the Chief Justice. During this quarter, PRLP fielded a legal aid advisor who updated and revised
the plan for consideration by the ULAB. The legal aid advisor met with the OSCU legal aid
implementation committee, members of the ULAB, other international donors, and CSOs
providing legal aid to inform future activities.

PRLP conducted trial skills training

for legal aid lawyers to build their
capacity to more effectively advocate
on behalf of their clients. On
December 11 in Yangon, the PRLP
Legal Aid Advisor led an interactive
program engaging participants in role
plays to improve client and witness
interview skills. The participants
were also introduced to the various
types of questioning during trial,
including narrative and cross-
examination, as well as court
presentations, such as opening
statements. Utilizing case scenarios, PRLP provides practical legal skills training for legal aid attorneys
the 15 participants learned how to
analyze a criminal case, prepare for trial, and advocate for their theory of the case. Evaluations
from the training revealed that the participants plan to use the new techniques in their future cases.

All participants received a copy of the PRLP Legal Aid Toolkit, which contains significant
information on how to manage cases and provides forms/templates useful for legal aid lawyers.
With the recent appointment of the ULAB and the legal requirement for the Union to provide legal
aid services, the demand for quality assistance will increase exponentially. PRLP is working to
meet that need by offering practical training to identify the gaps in legal skills and address those
through training activities and other assistance such as the Toolkit.

14
 PRLP is working to promote greater public policy engagement and
advocacy by CSOs. In addition to grants, PRLP is building capacity
of CSOs including a national bar association, ILAM, a national
paralegal network (in conjunction with former grantee Namati), and
with the A2JI consortium which is advocating for structural and
COMPONENT 4: policy reforms to improve access to justice in Myanmar.
DEVELOP THE
CAPACITY OF CIVIL A2JI Strategic Planning. A2JI encompasses a group of more than 40
SOCIETY TO ENGAGE CSOs focused on access to justice issues facing Myanmar civil
society. The members include a wide range of organizations
IN PUBLIC POLICY conducting research-based advocacy efforts and monitoring public
DEVELOPMENT AND justice sector actors to promote transparency and citizen oversight.
ADVOCACY The large number and varied focus of the members make issues such
as organizational development and a common vision more complex.
PRLP is supporting A2JI to build their organizational capacity to
implement a comprehensive activity framework in three areas
including research, advocacy, and monitoring and oversight.

A2JI Organizational Development and Partnership Building. A2JI

continues to build strategic partnerships for promoting access to
justice among international non-governmental organizations
(NGOs). In collaboration with NDI, PRLP and A2JI conducted a roundtable with MPs on October
25 to discuss issues regarding the current Anti-Corruption Law. As part of their anti-corruption
efforts, A2JI has analyzed the current law and determined 14 points for which they recommend
amendments. These recommendations include clarifications to, and, more precise definitions of,
certain key terms; consolidation of similar provisions; enhancing provisions on transparency and
accountability of the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC); and, adding provisions to avoid
conflicts of interest for members of the investigating board.

Sixty participants including MPs from the

Bill Committee (Upper and Lower), Public
Affair Committee, Rights of Women and
Children Committee, Judiciary and Legal
Affairs Committee, Public Complaints
Committee, civil society, and anti-
corruption experts discussed these findings
and recommendations. The discussion
focused on reporting corruption and how
citizens can be involved in monitoring and
detection. MPs were particularly interested
in whether there is a whistle blowing policy
that could aid in the implementation of the A2JI conducts roundtable in collaboration with NDI and for
law and qualifications for members of the Members of Parliament on Anti-corruption law
ACC.

As a result of the October roundtable, MPs from the Public Affair committee conducted a follow-
up meeting with A2JI on November 6 to discuss how to monitor the ACC and learn more about
citizens’ perspectives. Roundtables such as these are a prime example of bringing the public into
constructive and thoughtful dialogue with their elected lawmakers which is a cornerstone of
democratic process. During the follow-up meeting A2JI members and the CSO Program Manager
met with U Khin Maung Win (Chair) from the Judiciary and Legal Affairs Committee-Pyithu
Hluttaw to discuss the work of A2JI and the needs of their constituents. The discussion focused

15
particularly on legal aid, with A2JI members explaining the legal aid offered by their individual
organizations as part of the PRLP grants program. The group also met with the Public Affairs
Administrative committee to discuss collaboration with A2JI on anti-corruption issues. The
committee discussed their oversight of the General Administrative Department (GAD), Ministry
of Home Affairs (MOHA), Department of Social Welfare (DSW) and the ACC. The committee
expressed their desire to gain more information from A2JI and to collaborate in the future. The
committee is currently reviewing 68 laws, including the Anti-Corruption Law.

On October 10, along with other grantees, PRLP supported A2JI’s participation in an anti-
corruption analysis meeting led by the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) to discuss
their proposed revisions to the anti-corruption law, the complaint mechanisms of the ACC, lack of
transparency by government service providers, and the failure of MPs to report their assets. On
October 25th, A2JI met with the Secretary of the Union Coordination Body for Rule of law Centers
and Justice Sectors Affairs to introduce their work and discuss further collaboration.

PRLP, in collaboration with A2JI, conducted

two events in recognition of International
Anti-Corruption Day on December 9, to draw
attention to this issue which consumes more
than 5% of global Gross Domestic Product
through bribes and corrupt practices. PRLP
and A2JI conducted a panel discussion with
87 participants, bringing together civil
society, MPs, and government officials.
Panelists included the Chief Minister of
Magway Region, MPs from the Hluttaw and
Yangon Region, representatives from the
PRLP Chief of Party delivers welcome address at International
Yangon Regional Rule of Law Coordination Anti-Corruption Day event.
Body, and other regional officials.

Citizens provided concrete examples of their experience with corruption in Myanmar and panelists
discussed corruption issues, particularly in the justice sector, and took questions from the audience.
This event sought to build connections between CSOs and the government and to provide a forum
for advocacy against corrupt practices. PRLP and A2JI also conducted a public awareness raising
event in a local park with interactive games, a quiz show, entertainment, and informational
materials. More than 250 people attended the public event, which was opened by U Maung Maung
Hla, Director General of the Anti-Corruption Commission and Daw Kyi Pyar MP from
Kyautada Township. These activities are building the capacity of CSOs to engage in public policy
development and advocacy, as well as to promote more accountable justice sector institutions.

16
Objective 2: Increase Legal Literacy, Access to Justice for Marginalized Populations in
Target Regions/States

PRLP activities under this Objective focused on increasing the organization, presence, and skills
of Myanmar’s legal aid providers and providing resources for them to advance their work,
increasing legal literacy and access to justice. Efforts included development of the legal aid case
management database, support for ILAM, and the extensive grants program, each of which is
discussed in more detail below.

ILAM/IBAHRI
(Project Area: Yangon and Regional Locations; Grant Period: 7 Dec 2016 to 28 Feb 2018)
This quarter, PRLP continued support
for ILAM through a grant to the ILAM provides practical legal training for attorneys
International Bar Association’s
Human Rights Institute (IBAHRI).
The grant focuses on three major
activities: establishment of ILAM’s
secretariat, opening pilot legal
libraries, and delivering continuing
legal education (CLE). PRLP
provided 32 copies of the Legal Aid
Toolkit for ILAMs use in a CLE
program conducted November 10-11
in Pathein for 30 lawyers. U Nyunt On November 10-11, ILAM conducted CLE in Pathein for 30
young attorneys utilizing the Legal Aid Toolkit. The training
Wai and U Paw Oo, members of was based on Chapter One of the Toolkit and focused on case
Central Executive Committee, led the analysis, the IFRAC method, elements of various causes of
training utilizing the PRLP Toolkit. action, how to structure pleadings, and court procedure.
The training was based on Chapter
One of the Toolkit and focused on
case analysis, the IFRAC (issues, facts, rules, analysis, conclusion) method, elements of various
causes of action, how to structure pleadings, and court procedure.

ILAM opened a legal library in Pathein, Ayeyarwaddy region, on November 12. U Than Aung,
Central Executive Committee member, noted that the legal library is a resource center for the legal
community in Pathein that will especially benefit young lawyers who cannot afford to buy books.
The ceremony included the Chairman of ILAM, the Chairman of the Ayeyarwaddy Region, Central
Executive Committee members, and local ILAM members, as well as the High Court Judge, U
Kyaw Min, and Advocate General, U Thein Shwe.
The ILAM Central Executive Committee (CEC) met in Nap Pyi Taw on December 1, followed by
a meeting of the Central Committee (CC), to discuss crucial issues that will streamline decision
making and reduce costs. The CEC agreed to add a section to the Constitution on the role of the
secretariat and authorize the CEC to make relevant by-laws. Both bodies agreed that the 48 former-
members of the steering committee with positions in the Central Committee will not stand for the
2020 election. As a result, the size of the Central Committee will be reduced from 120 to 72
members. The reduction in the size of the CC should save time and make the decision-making
process more efficient. The members approved the creation of a Main Committee, composed of
five CEC members, who can make decisions about day-to-day operations and avoid consulting
with the entire CEC. Both bodies approved a plan for membership fees and to begin issuing
membership cards next year.
Legal Aid Curriculum Development. PRLP continued to provide the toolkit to various organizations
delivering legal aid. PRLP is also building a comprehensive training curriculum around the Toolkit

17
that can be implemented by organizations supporting legal aid providers or lawyers. The drafting
process is being led by consultant, Debrah Mercurio, building upon her extensive experience
supporting legal aid providers across Myanmar and also drawing lessons from established training
practices proven effective regionally and internationally. During January-February 2018, she will
complete the two outstanding modules to finalize the curriculum. Once finalized, the curriculum
will be used by legal aid organizations to conduct trainings that build the capacity of staff and
members, and to share this information to their wider networks of partners and beneficiaries.

Legal Aid Database. PRLP continued CSOs provide legal aid and
work with Zwenexsys to conduct user enhance access to justice
testing of the case management/database
system with legal aid providers. Several
CSOs are currently inputting data to test
the system and make recommendations
for any adjustments needed to better
support the work of legal aid providers.
The design of the database is based on the
Legal Aid Toolkit and will collect critical
information for better case management
and reporting. PRLP is providing the
database free of charge to any interested
Integrated Development Executive Association (IDEA) is
legal aid provider in the country, a move working to improve access to justice for marginalized
which will stimulate more complete data people in Nawnghkio and Taunggyi by providing legal
across the sector. PRLP also provided first literacy training, monitoring formal and informal justice
level training, an instructional video and sector processes, and offering legal representation. The
manual, as well as a TOT on the system so IDEA legal aid lawyer resolved a case in less than 2
that it can be widely utilized throughout the months. Before the legal aid lawyer got involved, the
country. family had made at least 12 long and costly trips to the
court. The family members learned about the lawyer
Inclusive and sustainable data collection is through village awareness meetings conducted by IDEA.
Before attending these awareness sessions, they knew very
key for legal aid organization. PRLP has
little about their legal rights and court procedures. The
already coordinated with the European family members noted how these sessions improved the
Union (EU)-funded My Justice program and overall life in their village when more people became
UNDP to ensure widespread deployment of aware of their rights and responsibilities and stopped some
the system. With PRLP ending in late 2018, illegal behavior.
steps are being taken to ensure the long-term
sustainability of the database as a resource for legal aid providers. The EU program has agreed to
continue supporting the database for the following two years, demonstrating the importance of close
cooperation between donor-funded programs.

Gender Activities Support. On October 3, the CSO Program Manager, Thandar Tin, made a
presentation at the Security and Justice for Women event organized by the Department of Social
Welfare in Nay Pyi Taw. On October 17, PRLP participated in the Human Trafficking Working
Group meeting hosted by the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF). On October 26-27,
Thandar Tin and Dr. Nyo Nyo Thin (A2JI-Technical Resource Team) participated as members of
VAW Technical Working Group member in a high-level conference on Sustainable Development
Goal-5 in Nay Pyi Taw. This conference was organized by the Ministry of Release and
Resettlement and the Ministry of Planning and Finance and included approximately 450 attendees
from Ministries, Upper and Lower Hluttaw, Government officials, UN agencies, Embassies,
International NGOs and CSOs. Four panel discussions were presented which centered on: Women,
Peace and Security; Violence Against Women; Political and Economic Participation; and Gender
Mainstreaming. Hla Hla Yee, from grantee Legal Clinic Myanmar (LCM), was a panelist in the
discussion on violence against women.

18
Grants. PRLP is currently managing 13 Legal Aid grants and 5 TIP grants. Below is a chart of the
current grantees followed by specific information about their activities. The Grants Manager and
M&E Manager conducted site visits and monitoring of Myitmakha News Agency (MNA) (Lashio
and Nawnghkio Branch), Genuine People's Servants (GPS) (Lashio Township), and IDEA
(Nawnghkio Township) in Shan State from October 31 – November 3. From December 14-17,
PRLP conducted site visits to three grantees – Htoi (Win Let) Gender and Development
Foundation, Humanity Institute (HI), and LCM – in Myitkyina, Kachin State.

PRLP conducted a Fund-Raising Strategy and Sustainability Training for 34 participants from 18
partner grantees on December 19-21, 2017, at the Green Hill Hotel. The PRLP Senior Capacity
Building Advisor led this interactive training that included sessions on realities and strategies,
communications with donors, organizational sustainability, proposal writing, and financial
sustainability among others. This event was designed to build capacity of CSO grantees and ensure
they have the skills to continue their work beyond the life of their grants.
RFA 2016-007 – Legal Aid Initiatives Grants
Grant No. Grantee Name Grant Title Grant Location
PRL-G-007-001 Myitmakha News Agency Legal Aid Centers – Northern Shan Northern Shan
PRL-G-007-002 Sagaing Region Youth Network Justice House Sagaing
PRL-G-007-003 Myanmar Justice Association Rule of Law Project Mandalay
PRL-G-007-004 Social Care Volunteer Group Rule of Law for Children Magway
PRL-G-007-005 Green Peasant Institute Ayeyarwaddy Peasant Legal Aid Center Ayeyarwaddy
PRL-G-007-006 Jeepyah Civil Society Her Justice Mon
Development Organization
PRL-G-007-007 Phoenix Association Community Participatory Legal Aid Mandalay,
Initiative Yangon
PRL-G-007-008 Mahawthadha Legal Aid Legal Aid for Farmers and Rural People Ayeyarwaddy
Association
PRL-G-007-009 Genuine People’s Servants Assistance for Victims of Injustice and Yangon, Mon,
Human Trafficking Sagaing
PRL-G-007-010 Second Tap Root Organization Justice to Rule of Law Mandalay
PRL-G-007-011 Legal Clinic Myanmar Justice First Project: Access to Justice Kachin,
for Women, Children, and Ayeyarwaddy
Disadvantaged People
PRL-G-007-012 Humanity Institute Kachin Legal Aid Center Kachin
PRL-G-007-013 Integrated Development Promoting Rule of Law by Community- Northern
Executive Association Based Legal Service Initiatives in Shan,
Northern and Southern Shan State Southern Shan
RFA 2017-008 – Anti-Trafficking in Persons Initiatives Grants
Grant No. Grantee Name Grant Title Grant Location
PRL-G-008-001 Thwee Community Development Prevention of Human Trafficking Kayin
Network Project
PRL-G-008-002 Mawk Kon Local Development Prevention of Human Trafficking in Eastern Shan
Organization Children, Youth and Women
PRL-G-008-003 Genuine People’s Servants Prevention and Protection from Human Kachin,
Trafficking Northern Shan
PRL-G-008-004 Htoi Gender and Development Promoting Rule of Law for Anti – Kachin,
Foundation Human Trafficking Project Northern Shan
PRL-G-008-005 Karuna Mission Social Solidarity Reducing Human Trafficking in Mandalay,
Myanmar Sagaing,
Magway,
Eastern Shan

19
Legal Aid Grants
Myitmakha News Agency (MNA)
(Project Area: Lashio and Nawnghkio, Northern Shan State; Grant Period: 27 April 2017 - 26
April 2018)
MNA has opened two Legal Aid Centers in Lashio and Nawnghkio townships in Northern Shan
State focused on overcoming challenges to access to justice for those affected by land seizure, drug
trafficking, human trafficking, and related human rights violations. MNA target is to provide legal
representation for 70 cases in two townships. They are currently managing 40 legal representation
cases, including 28 new cases this quarter, related to gender-based violence, land dispute issues,
and drugs.

Sagaing Regional Youth Network (SRYN)

(Project Area: Monywar, Sagaing Region; Grant Period: 26 April 2017- 25 April 2018)
The SRYN Justice House Project aims to increase legal literacy, access to justice, and the
participation of marginalized populations, especially women and children, in justice services.
SRYN targets include 10 legal awareness lectures, 30 free legal representation cases, and 80 hotline
responses to provide legal advice, counseling and consultations. They conducted Child Right
awareness activities on November 9-10 at Basic Education High School (BEHS) (1), BEHS (2)
and BEHS (5) in Moneywa Township. This quarter, SRYN provided support in 7 legal
representation cases and 41 legal advice/counselling cases and conducted 4 legal awareness
sessions, exceeding their cumulative targets. SRYN completed a lecture on child rights and the
Child Law on October 20 at the State High School in Moneywa Township for 243 students, on
December 15 at the Ayardaw State High School for 344 students, and at Yinmabin State High
School for 296 students. Legal awareness session was also conducted at Sagaing Region Women’s
Affairs Association Office on December 8 for 58 participants (15/M, 43/F). SRYN produced 50
cartoon booklets to raise awareness about the election of wards and village tract administrators and
posted 24 vinyl billboards to raise awareness raising about child rape cases.
Myanmar Justice Association (MJA)
(Project Area: Mandalay Region; Grant Period: 26 April 2017 to 25 April 2018)
MJA is expanding awareness about the criminal justice system by empowering people to
understand and access their rights. MJAs targets include 6 legal awareness workshops, providing
legal advice to 24 clients and offering legal representation in 75 cases in 7 townships in the
Mandalay city area. This quarter, MJA supported marginalized people who are vulnerable to
discrimination by providing legal representation in 20 cases, and legal advice to 8 other clients this
quarter with a current caseload of 65. On November 27, MJA conducted a child rights and legal
awareness session for 19 participants (4/M and 15/F) in Amarapura, Mandalay. On December 16,
MJA conducted a legal awareness session with 25 participants (7/M and 18/F) including
community-based organizations and community leaders in Patheingyi Township. On Dec. 23-25,
MJA conducted legal awareness for 19 sex workers at Chanaye Tharzan Township, Mandalay.

Social Care Volunteer Group (SCVG)

(Project Area: Magway Township and Yenangyaung Township, Magway Division; Grant Period:
April 2017 to April 2018)
SCVG’s Rule of Law for Children program seeks to provide better awareness of child protection
issues and improve access to justice for children. SCVG activities include an intensive paralegal
training course and training for at least 20 paralegals who can expand that knowledge to 300 people
in Magway and Yenangyaung Township. SCVG has targeted 15 free legal representation cases and
social support to 15 children who are facing criminal charges. During this quarter, SCVG
implemented 7 legal awareness sessions in 7 villages for 389 people (192/M and 197/F). SCVG
also provided legal representation in 4 cases and provided social support (accommodation,
transport and per-diem) to 4 clients who were on trial. SCVG coordinated a site visit to the Magway

20
Township Pilot Court for 13 paralegals on Oct. 30th to build better relationships with court
personnel. On November 20, SCVG observed United Nations Convention of the Right of the Child
Day, in collaboration with Save the Children, in Magwe with a celebration that included the Magwe
Regional government and Prime Minister Aung Moe Nyo.

On November 30, SCVG organized a Paralegal Network Meeting for 19 paralegals (13/M and 6/F)
to share their achievements and challenges and discuss their action plan. On December 2-3, SCVG
conducted paralegal training for 21 participants (16/M and 5/F) to build stronger ties and
understanding with the DSW and the courts. U Tin Zar, General Administrator from the DSW
conducted a lively discussion with the paralegals about the roles and responsibilities of the DSW
and noted that they cannot achieve their goals without support from civil society. In particular, he
discussed the need for paralegal assistance to support victims of child abuse and rape in the Magwe
region. U Thein Than, an Associate Judge from the Magwe Township Court shared information
about justice sector institutions and explained the respective roles of judges, law officers, and
attorneys. The judge discussed the new pilot court procedures and challenges they face, such as
failure of witnesses and police to appear. The participation of the Township Court Judge helped
paralegals better understand legal procedures and the work of the court. This collaboration with the
courts also served to increase their transparency and accountability to the public.

Green Peasant Institute (GPI)

GPI supports farmers to obtain their rights (Project Area: Ayeyarwaddy Region;
Grant Period: 26 April 2017 - 25 April
2018)
GPI, based in Pathein, is working to
improve access to justice services by
identifying weaknesses in land laws,
advocating for law reform with the
Hluttaw Farmers’ Affairs Inquiry
Committee, and raising legal awareness
through trained paralegals. GPI
established a legal aid center in Pathein,
with 11 trained paralegals, and is working
Farmers in Magyizin village in Pathein have often lost their
indigenous rights to cultivate land due to urbanization,
to provide legal consultation and advice
government projects, and confiscation by the military and for 120 cases. During this quarter, GPI
entrepreneurs. Access to justice for these farmers is limited provided 301 legal consultations focused
by their lack of legal knowledge and sufficient resources to on land issues in the Ayeyarwaddy
enforce their rights. GPI has trained 14 paralegals in Region. GPI also coordinated with
Pathein, who were selected from the local population. Once regional government personnel and MPs
trained, the paralegals provided awareness activities for 69
from both the regional and union
farmers, sharing their legal knowledge and leading
discussions about land use rights. GPI helped the farmers parliament to assist 301 farmers (278/M
submit proposals to the relevant regional ministries and 23/F) with legal protection and Form
requesting permission to farm the village land. As a result, 7 – farming land permissions. GPI has
more than 2,500 people from 460 farming households in 8 already exceeded their target by handling
villages were granted legal rights to approximately 25 acres 348 cases to date.
(10 hectares) of land.

Jeepyah Civil Society Development Organization (JCSDO)

(Project Area: Mon Sate; Grant Period: 26 April 2017 to 25 May 2018)
JCSDO’s Her Justice Project is providing a comprehensive local response to improve access to
justice for marginalized women and girls in 7 townships of Mon State. Their targets include legal
aid for 20 cases and legal advice/counseling for another 120, provided by trained paralegals. They
also established a safe house for women victims/survivors, providing shelter, basic needs,

21
 counseling services and legal advice. During
JCSDO Safe House provides
this quarter, JCSDO provided legal
shelter and victim services
representation in 5 cases, legal
advice/counseling in 32 cases, and shelter for
8 women in the safe house. JCSDO conducted
paralegal awareness training at Mudon and
Than Phyu Zayat on October 30-31 for 30
community leaders, CSO leaders, and youth,
and at Mudon on November 20 and
Thanbyuzayat on November 23 for 41 (3/M
and 38/F) community leaders, CSO leaders,
and youth. On December 12-14, JCSDO
conducted a paralegal workshop in
Mawlamyaing for 20 participants (2/M and
18/F).
JCSDO is improving access to justice by engaging
local communities, providing safe spaces, offering free
Phoenix Association (Phoenix)
legal aid, and working to hold justice sector actors
(Project Area: Yangon and in Mandalay
accountable. They assisted a girl who was raped by a
Region; Grant Period: 08 May 2017-07 May
villager in the Mon region. One of the women’s groups
2018)
formed by JCSDO learned of her case and referred her
to the safe house, where she received shelter and Phoenix’s Community Participatory Legal
Aid Initiative Project is enhancing access to
counseling and was supported to be a witness at the
trial. At the safe house, she improved her education and
justice for vulnerable populations in Hlaing
learned practical life skills. Now, she is a volunteer at
Tharyar Township in Yangon and in
the Mon State Women and Children’s Upgrade Centre Mandalay Region by engaging with legal aid
and is continuing to expand her education and skills so
lawyers, township and district-level courts,
that she will be able to make a life for herself as an
adult. community legal aid mobilizers and other
legal, social, and health-related stakeholders.
Phoenix provides representation in sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) cases, offers legal
advice using community legal aid mobilizers who can provide legal aid referrals and legal
document preparation, and conducts community legal literacy workshops. During this quarter,
Phoenix utilized their cadre of 50 trained community legal aid mobilizers to provide legal advice
to 192 people.

Mahawthadha Legal Aid Association (MLAA)

(Project Area: Ayeyarwaddy Region; Grant Period: 26 April 2017 - 25 December 2017)
MLAA’s Legal Aid for Farmers and Rural People Project is working to increase legal literacy and
access to justice in Ayeyarwaddy Division. Their targets include support for 25 legal advice and
mediation cases, and legal representation in 15 court cases including land cases, criminal cases,
and appeals. MLAA also promotes awareness using banners in 13 townships to increase
understanding of legal rights. During this quarter, MLAA supported 10 legal representation cases
and 10 legal consultations.

Genuine People's Servants (GPS)

(Project Area: Sagaing Region, Yangon Region, and Mon State; Grant Period: 05 May 2017 - 04
May 2018)
GPS’s Assistance for Victims of Injustice and Human Trafficking Project aims to support
marginalized people and human trafficking victims in Sagaing Region (Salingyi Township),
Yangon Region (Hlaing Tharyar Township), and Mon State (Bilin Township) by providing general
legal counseling, advice on legal procedures, and free legal representation. GPS utilizes 10 trained
paralegals and has a goal to provide legal representations in 90 cases, legal procedure assistance
for 100 people, and to submit 100 complaint letters in the three project townships. In this quarter,

22
GPS provided legal advice for 73 people, assistance in 43 legal procedures, submitted 11 complaint
letters, and provided legal representation in 29 cases. To date, GPS has provided support in 62 legal
representation cases and 144 legal consultations.

Second Tap Root Organization (STRO)

(Project Area: Mandalay Region; Grant Period: 03 May 2017 - 02 May 2018)
STRO’s Justice to Rule of Law Project is working to improve access to justice for poor children
and support their families with the costs of trial expenses. They established a new office in
Mandalay and plan to provide legal representation in 50 cases. During this quarter, STRO supported
31 legal representation cases. They are also conducting a research survey focusing on children
between 11 and 18, which has reached 140 children from DSW’s training school and Juvenile
District Court.

Legal Clinic Myanmar (LCM)

(Project Area: Ayeyarwaddy Division and Kachin State; Grant Period: 3 May 2017 - 2 June 2017)
LCM’s Justice First Project is providing better access to justice for women, children, and
disadvantaged people by expanding existing legal aid services in 9 targeted townships: 7 townships
in the Ayeyarwaddy Division and 2 townships in Kachin State. LCM plans to offer legal aid in 50
cases and mediation services for 200 cases. They also operate a 24-hour legal aid hotline in both
areas to facilitate these services and provide social support for 20 victims/survivors of SGBV. On
November 23, LCM conducted a roundtable at Winemaw on SGBV and access to justice, featuring
a case study. During this quarter, LCM conducted access to justice meetings on November 1 in
Myitkyina (8 participants), November 7 in Winemaw (10 participants), December 16 in Yegyi,
December 17 in Kangyidaunt, and Dec 21 in Kyaiklat. In collaboration with township
administrators, they also conducted roundtable discussions on November 14 in Kyaiklat for 30
participants (25/M and 5/F) and Dedaye for 24 participants (19/M and 5/F), November 16 in
Kyaunggon for 27 participants (22/M and 5/F), and November 24 in Winemaw for 32 participants
(21/M and 11/F). They also supported 7 legal representation cases, 40 legal consultations and 39
hotline services during this quarter. LCM is currently managing 44 legal representation cases.

Humanity Institute (HI)

(Project Area: Myitkyina, Mohnyin, Wingmaw Township, Kachin State; Grant Period: 04 May
2017 - 03 May 2018)
The Kachin Legal Clinic Project is implemented by Humanity Institute (HI) which leads a group
composed of the Kachin Legal Group and Shingnip Legal Aid Group. HI focuses on overcoming
challenges in accessing justice for those affected by human rights violations. HI targets include
providing legal representation in 20 cases, legal advice to 100 people, and the production and
distribution of 1,000 legal aid pamphlets in local languages. During this quarter, HI supported 8
legal representation cases and 25 legal consultations. To date, HI has finalized 1 case, has 12
pending legal representation cases, and concluded 65 legal consultations.

23
Integrated Development Executive Association (IDEA)
(Project Area: Nawnghkio and Taunggyi Township, Shan State; Grant Period: 06 May 2017 - 05
May 2018)
IDEAs Community-Based Legal Service Building capacity of CSOs to engage in policy
Initiatives Project supports the formation development and advocacy
and capacity development of four Legal
Watch Groups in Nawnghkio and Taunggyi
utilizing extended community
consultations, engagement on local legal
issues, and stakeholder coordination. IDEA
will provide a variety of services to
vulnerable individuals, including direct
legal representation for at least 20 cases,
legal consultation services in at least 10
cases, and providing victim/survivor
assistance for at least 10 cases involving
SGBV or human trafficking charges. On IDEA is building the capacity of civil society to engage in
Oct. 21, they conducted an advocacy public policy development and advocacy. On October 21,
meeting with state-level MPs to discuss 2017, IDEA conducted an advocacy consultation meeting
findings from their project and provide with State-level Members of Parliament (MPs). Fifteen
recommendations for enhancing MPs and IDEA members discussed findings of civil society
awareness. (See text box.) During this organizations (CSOs) and technical stakeholders to develop
quarter, IDEA supported 6 legal solutions for current community challenges. The director of
IDEA presented findings which illustrated the impact of
representation cases and 5 legal language barriers on access to justice, the lack of legal
consultations. They conducted 2 knowledge, and the need for legal aid. Recommendations
consultation meetings: on Nov. 11 in included conducting awareness training, enhancing
Taunggyi with technical stakeholders for communication and collaboration between Government
29 participants (11/M and 18/F) and on and local communities, incorporating basic legal
Nov. 21 in Taunggyi with MPs for 15 knowledge in High School curriculum, and conducting
participants (9/M and 6/F). IDEA is public consultations and engaging legal experts when
drafting laws.
currently supporting 8 legal representation
cases.

Anti-Trafficking in Person Grants

Thwee Community Development Network (TCDN)
(Project Area: Myawaddy, Kayin State; Grant Period: 03 July 2017 - 02 July 2018)
TCDN’s Prevention of Human Trafficking Project is working to prevent human trafficking through
protection, awareness trainings, legal and human rights awareness raising activities, and victim
support services, such as counseling and a safe house. During this quarter, TCDN conducted a legal
& anti-human trafficking awareness session on November 11-12, at Manhtawthalit Village in
Myawaddy Township for 33 participants (15/M and 18/F) focusing on human rights, trafficking,
labor rights, and safe migration. A Case Analysis Cluster Workshop was conducted on Dec. 9 in
Myawaddy for 20 representatives (13/M and 7/F) from NGOs, CSOs and the National League for
Democracy party.

Mawk Kon Local Development Organization (MKLDO)

(Project Area: Kengtung and Tachileik Township, Eastern Shan State; Grant Period: 07 June 2017
- 06 June 2018)
MKLDO’s Prevention of Human Trafficking Project offers prevention services directed toward
children, youth, and women in Kengtung and Tachileik Township area of Eastern Shan State. By
forming core groups, MKLDO focuses on awareness raising of the human trafficking law, training
and workshops, information, education, and communication (IEC) development, and public

24
campaigns in urban and rural areas. Kengtung is a TIP gateway to China and Thailand. Although
the government is working to improve its response and compliance with international standards
including the Association of Southeast Asian Nations Convention for Trafficking in Persons, many
suspected cases go unreported due to the sensitive nature of the crime. During this quarter, MKLDO
conducted 12 trafficking awareness raising sessions, six each in Kengtung and Tachileik Township.
In Kengtung, awareness sessions were conducted on October 5 at Shan Cherey for 36 participants
(3/M and 33/F), October 10 at Sutsatkone for 24 participants (10/M and 14/F), November 16 at
Shan National School for 53 participants (29/M and 24/F), November 24 at Kathtike Village for 38
participants (10/ M and 28/F), December 10 at Damha School for 60 participants (21/M and 39/F),
and December 11 at Wantaung Village for 27 participants (2/M and 25/F). The six awareness
sessions in Tachileik included 294 participants (115/M and 179/F). A township level multi-
stakeholder workshop was conducted on December 15 at Taili Cultural Hall in Tachileik for
concerned government departments and partner organizations with 23 participants (17/M and 6/F).
MKLDO produced and distributed IEC materials including 345 pamphlets, 85 vinyl posters, 20
planners, and 116 caps this quarter.

Genuine People's Servants (GPS)

(Project Area: Lashio, Northern Shan State; Grant Period: 05 July 2017 - 04 July 2018)
GPS’s Prevention and Protection from Human Trafficking Project is promoting awareness about
the Human Rights, Human Trafficking and Legal Mechanisms for internally-displaced persons
(IDPs) in armed conflict areas. GPS provides legal assistance to TIP victims from the IDP camps
in the Northern Shan State (Man Wing Baptist Church, Namkhan KBC, Zup Aung, Kyauk Mae,
Kutkai, Sibaw, Karlai or Mang Tone, Maiyulay or Kutkai and Namkhan). GPS plans to train 20
local-dialect trainers, conduct 18 awareness raising events, and provide legal representation in 10
cases. During this quarter, GPS supported 4 legal representation cases and conducted 10 TIP
awareness raising trainings: on October 11-13 at Monese IDP Camp in Kutkai for 60 participants
(14/M and 46/F), October 16-18 at Zutaung IDP Camp in Kutkai for 60 participants (10/M and
50/F), October 24-26 at Naywonni IDP Camp in Muse for 60 participants (16/ M and 44/F), and
October 30-November 1 at Karen Baptist Convention IDP Camp in Kutkai for 60 participants
(14/M and 46/F).

Htoi (Win Let) Gender and Development Foundation (Htoi)

(Project Area: Myitkyina, Wingmaw, Bhamo, Mansi, Momauk, Kachin State; Grant Period: 05
July 2017 - 04 August 2018)
Htoi focuses on gender issues in the Kachin community and with their TIP Project they are
providing protection and victims/survivors assistance through peer group meetings and psycho-
social support. Htoi plans to represent victims in 10 cases, providing legal advice in 10 cases,
conduct TIP TOT training, awareness training, and a curriculum development workshop. During
this quarter, Htoi conducted two TIP awareness sessions: on October 17-19 in Mansi Township for
29 participants (10/M and 19/F) and November 14-16 in Bamaw for 23 participants (3/M and 20/F).
Htoi also facilitated a Peer Group Meeting on December 5-6 at Ning Ja Training Center in
Myitkyina where 7 female trafficking survivors from shared their experiences. Also during this
quarter, Htoi supported 2 legal representation cases and 5 legal consultations.

Htoi conducted an International Migrant Day event on December 16 in Myitkyina for 576
participants (94/M and 482/F) which included 409 IDPs from IDP camps. Representatives of the
DSW, Department of Labor, the Anti Trafficking Police Force, and 3 journalists also participated.
During the registration, the anti-trafficking song, Myitta Mee Ein (“compassionate lantern”), was
sung and taught to arriving guest to set the mood for the event. Htoi conducted an interactive TIP
drama, which engaged the audience to discuss their reaction to characters in the play, and drew
attention to human rights abuses. Audience members were invited on stage to discuss their reasons.
Htoi Director, Nang Pu, moderated a panel discussion with Ohmar Ei Chaw, Country Director,

25
Issara Institute, Thailand; Nant Thandar Aung, Consultant on Gender, Convention on the
Elimination of all Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) and Anti-Human
Trafficking; and Sar Li Htwe, Lawyer of Htoi. They discussed causes, effects, and consequences
of Migration and Human Trafficking from various angles. The panel addressed root-causes, shared
victim experiences, and discussed legal resolutions to TIP. A TIP victim from one of the IDP camps
shared her experience as a survivor.

Karuna Mission Social Solidarity (KMSS)

(Project Area: Shwe Bo- Sagaing Region, Aung Lan – Magway Region and Kengtung – Eastern
Shan State; Grant Period: 10 July 2017 - 9 July 2018)
KMSS’s Reducing Human Trafficking in Myanmar Project is promoting awareness on TIP and
safe labor migration in targeted areas. KMSS targets include conducting 3 community leader
mainstreaming trainings, 2 anti-human trafficking day campaigns, 50 awareness raising events, 150
community watch group events, 6 coordination meetings with the government sector, and 6
coordination meeting with CSOs, NGOs, and networks.

During this quarter, KMSS completed a community leadership mainstreaming training in Aunglan
on October 1-2, and in Shwe Bo on October 4-5 for 35 participants (19/M and 16/F). They also
conducted a TIP awareness session in Kyeton, Nasungshan Village in early October. KMSS
conducted a Community Working Group meeting in Shwe Bo on November 6-10, a monitoring
trip to Shwe Bo on November 7-10, and a TIP awareness event at Aung Lan on November 6-7.
KMSS conducted a monitoring trip to Kyetong on November 14-17. The Community Working
Group met at Aunglan on November 14 and at Shwebo on November 15. On December 5-8, KMSS
conducted a refresher capacity development workshop on safe migration and pre-departure
procedures in Yangon. During the quarter, KMSS conducted 11 TIP awareness sessions at seven
villages in Kengtung and five villages in Aung Lan Township with 385 participants (158/M and
227/F). They also observed Myanmar Anti-Human Trafficking Day with events in Shwe Bo and
Aung Lan on October 16 and 20, respectively.

Local CSOs use community approach to address Trafficking in Persons

KMSS conducted TIP Awareness events in Shwe Bo and Aung Lan on October 16 and 20, respectively. In
Shwe Bo, there were 132 participants from the community and institutions including the GAD, DSW, Anti-
Trafficking Task Force, Police, Prosecution, Department of Immigration and National Registration, and
religious leaders. In Aung Lan, there were 217 participants from the community, including 76 students and
114 local villagers, and representatives of similar institutions. These were the first ever, TIP focused events
in these cities. KMSS utilized role plays and songs for active participation by the community and to enhance
understanding of what TIP is, how it can happen to anyone, and how citizens can protect themselves. The
DSW and prosecutors encouraged the community members not to be afraid, but rather to be aware of the risks
and utilize the law and resources available to combat TIP.

26
IV. Grantee Legal Aid Services, and Legal Awareness and
Outreach Activities

Legal Aid Services Provided by Grantees (through December 2017)

Achievement this Quarter Cumulative Achievement

Type of services Number Number of beneficiaries Number Number of beneficiaries

of of
cases # Men # Women Total cases # Men # Women Total

Free legal representation 101 80 56 136 1211 1092 442 1534

Referral 13 4 9 13 328 167 166 333
Legal advice 244 113 166 279 1759 899 909 1808
Safe house - - - - 63 - 63 63
Mediation 2 - 2 2 22 17 29 46

Total 360 197 233 430 3383 2175 1609 3784

Legal Awareness Materials and Outreach by Grantees (through December 2017)

Number Number
Types
(This Quarter) (Cumulative)
Pamphlets 927 29421
Newsletters 6000
Manuals/booklets 50 199
Mon State Rule of law report 2000
Legal service mapping 4450
Others IEC (Books, Caps, Bags, Vinyl, etc.) 1580 3664
Total 2557 45734
Direct outreach contact to Citizens 984

News stories published on lines media 124

27
V. Grantee Trainings, Workshops, and Conferences

GRANTEE TRAININGS AND WORKSHOPS

(THROUGH DECEMBER 2017)
Achievement this Quarter Cumulative Achievement
Topic / Event Trainings/ Number of Participants Trainings/ Number of Participants
Workshops M F Total Workshops M F Total
Human rights and
lesbian, gay,
bisexual, and
0 13 193 138 331
transgender
(LGBT) rights
trainings
Basic legal
research skills 0 1 8 10 18
training
Capacity building
training for junior
0 8 28 39 67
lawyers &
paralegals
Community based
1 2 23 25 37 418 539 957
paralegal trainings
LGBT rights and
paralegals 0 1 18 5 23
trainings
Paralegal
0 8 24 58 82
advanced training
Referral
strengthening 0 1 5 25 30
system training
Community based
legal awareness 11 235 346 581 341 4094 6242 10336
training/workshops
National Mock
0 4 37 119 156
Trial workshop
National Myanmar
CLE Summer
0 1 4 56 60
School training
workshop
Campaign on
domestic/gender 14 303 466 769 49 1320 2130 3450
based violence
Training on
CEDAW, SGBV,
women rights and 13 129 244 373 46 299 620 919
human rights
issues/trafficking
Communication/
presentation/
0 5 28 57 85
facilitation skills
training
Skills trainings
6 71 59 130 20 200 258 458
(case management,

28
 GRANTEE TRAININGS AND WORKSHOPS
(THROUGH DECEMBER 2017)
Achievement this Quarter Cumulative Achievement
Topic / Event Trainings/ Number of Participants Trainings/ Number of Participants
Workshops M F Total Workshops M F Total
interviewing,
counseling,
mobilization)
Human rights/
0 3 14 47 61
advocacy trainings
Investigative
journalism 0 2 8 5 13
trainings
Citizen journalism
0 2 14 8 22
trainings
Law review
0 16 439 238 677
workshops
Total 45 740 1138 1878 558 7151 10594 17745

29
VI. Map of PRLP Activities

30
Tel: (202) 712-0000

31