With funds from the Government of Japan, the United Nations Development Program (UNDP)’s Program of Assistance to the Palestinian People is helping the Palestinian Ministry of the Interior to revamp the civil police force.
Japan is providing $300,000 to rehabilitate the police communications system. The force handles routine police activities, such as controlling road traffic and keeping public order. A modern communications system is essential for enabling the police to respond to the needs of citizens, who rely on them to maintain public safety. The project will jump-start the pilot phase of an extensive effort by the Ministry of the Interior to improve public services.
Revitalizing the civil police and improving its ability to maintain law and order on the streets is an important component of the Palestinian Authority (PA)'s reform efforts to implement the “road map” for peace.
Put forth by the European Union, Russia, the United Nations, and the United States -- known as the "quartet" -- the road map sets out a blueprint for ending the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and establishing a Palestinian state in three years.
UNDP has been playing a central role in support of reform since the PA launched a 100-day reform plan last year to improve public administration. UNDP has mobilized approximately $13 million to support these efforts, of which the lion's share of $11 million is from the Government of Japan.
UNDP and Japan are helping strengthen other Palestinian institutions concerned with law and order, such as the construction of new courthouses in Khan Younis and Nablus and an administrative building for the Palestinian Ministry of Justice. These efforts support the reform process and also provide landmarks for the PA in its drive to follow the road map towards peace. — (menareport.com)
© 2003 Mena Report (www.menareport.com)
