The Australian Government and the Supreme Court of the Philippines launched the FAIR Justice Program on April 11 in Baguio City.
Australia and Philippines Launch FAIR Justice Program to Strengthen Rule of Law
Tetra Tech is proud to be the managing contractor delivering the Fostering Advancement of Inclusive and Rights-based (FAIR) Justice Program on behalf of Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) and in close collaboration with the Philippine Judiciary.
The Australian Government and the Supreme Court of the Philippines launched FAIR Justice on April 11, in a landmark move strengthening bilateral ties. The program underscores the shared commitment of both nations to upholding the rule of law, promoting rights-based justice, and cultivating strong and accountable institutions, crucial for the stability, security, and prosperity of the Philippines and the broader Indo-Pacific region.
Building on 77 years of successful Australia-Philippines partnership, the AUD 10 million FAIR Justice initiative promises to further solidify this collaboration in advancing law and justice.
FAIR Justice will support the enhancement of the administration of justice for women, children, Indigenous people, people with disabilities and other socially disadvantaged groups in the Philippines.
The program will focus on improving the quality of adjudication and case management concerning socially disadvantaged groups, strengthening transparency and accountability, and enhancing inclusion and accessibility in the delivery of justice. It aims to bolster the broader justice system and enhance coordination with DFAT’s investments in various critical areas, including countering terrorism, combating human trafficking, and protecting children from online abuse and exploitation.
FAIR Justice will take an approach focused on the cultivation of partnerships based on trust and mutual respect. It seeks to deepen Australia’s engagement with the Philippine Judiciary and the wider law and justice community, aligning with key reform agendas outlined in the Supreme Court’s Strategic Plan for Judicial Innovation (SPJI), 2022 to 2027, and the Philippine Development Plan (PDP), 2023 to 2028.
Key components of the program include fostering valuable partnerships between Philippine law and justice institutions and their Australian counterparts, such as the Federal Court of Australia and the Family Court of Australia. It will foster collaborations with civil society, the private sector, and the donor community, all of whom play pivotal roles in supporting justice reforms in the country.
Through FAIR Justice, we are proud to support the Philippine Government to empower local communities and institutions for lasting change and expand on our commitment to thriving people, thriving communities and a thriving planet.
Read more about the Australian Government FAIR Justice Program Launch.
