PROJECT DESCRIPTION

The project aimed to improve access to justice for poor and vulnerable groups in the Philippines, with a particular focus on women and children. By empowering these groups through greater awareness of their rights and enhancing the capacity of the justice system, the project sought to ensure that justice became more accessible to those who need it most.

ICON-INSTITUT implemented different key components. One key component of the project was the institutionalization of decentralized information services within the judiciary. Municipal judges and court personnel received training on communication strategies, and workshops were held to sensitize them to the needs of vulnerable groups, particularly regarding the Barangay Justice System (BJS). These efforts helped bridge the gap between the justice system and the poor, making legal processes more approachable. The project also emphasized community empowerment, particularly for women and children. Action plans were developed to strengthen the BJS, making it more gender-sensitive and child-friendly. Legal information desks were established, and poor women and day-care workers were trained to pursue their basic rights. A coordination system was created to link day-care workers and legal information desk officers, ensuring better support for vulnerable communities.

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