Strengthening Rule of Law in Criminal Defense

.The U.S. Embassy Ouagadougou of the U.S. Department of State announces an open competition for organizations to submit applications to carry out a program to strengthen and promote the rule of law and facilitate a stable criminal justice system in Burkina Faso by bolstering the capacity of existing bar and legal aid associations to provide advocacy, training, and on-going professional development for defense attorneys. Protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms requires effective access to legal services by an independent and fully functioning legal profession that provides due process without fear of harassment or intimidation.

Priority Region: N/A

Program Objectives:

1. Improve Access to Legal Counsel
2. Facilitate engagement of independent legal advocates or non-governmental organizations offering legal aid support;
3. Promote data collection regarding pretrial representation and case outcomes;
4. Establish mechanisms to support the enforcement of the provision of legal counsel for indigent defendants based on international and regional best practices;
5. Provide ongoing training to legal assistance providers in providing quality defense counsel;
6. Increase access to prisoner/detainee information for families, independent legal advocates, and non-governmental organizations; and
7. Provide funding to support the provision of legal counsel for indigent defendants.

1. Build the capacity of the Burkinabe bar associations to provide continuing professional development and learning education opportunities.

1. Build the capacity of the Burkinabe bar associations to advocate for defense attorneys subject to harassment; support the independence of the judiciary and the right of defense lawyers to practice their profession without interference.

Participants and Audiences:

Applicants should identify target stakeholders, target participants, specific demographics, and the region(s) in which the project will be implemented. It is particularly important to specify the approximate number of beneficiaries to be directly and indirectly impacted by project activities.

B. FEDERAL AWARD INFORMATION

Length of performance period: 12 months

Number of awards anticipated: 1 award (dependent on amounts)

Total available funding: $100,000

Type of Funding: FY 2020 Economic Support Funds (ESF)

Anticipated program start date: September 15, 2021

This notice is subject to availability of funding.

Funding Instrument Type: Grant

Program Performance Period: Proposed programs should be completed in 12 months or less. The Department of State will entertain applications for continuation grants funded under these awards beyond the initial budget period on a non-competitive basis subject to availability of funds, satisfactory progress of the program, and a determination that continued funding would be in the best interest of the U.S. Department of State.