Tonga Justice launches Sector Support Programme ^Featured

This Programme is a 3 year $NZ3.3 million bilateral commitment. Its goal is a: “More inclusive, sustainable and responsive good governance, which strengthens the rule of law.”

This goal reflects the strategic objectives of the Tonga Strategic Development Framework II 2015-2025, particularly Outcome D which is ‘A more inclusive, sustainable and responsive good-governance with law and order’ and is also reflected in the Ministry of Justice’s Corporate Plan 2018/19 – 2020/21.

The design of this programme was only possible with the great collaboration and support from the Tonga Ministry of Justice which has been integral in the formative journey bringing us to today’s launch. The Ministry will continue to be a key partner in the implementation of the programme.

The Ministry of Justice will work closely with Coffey International Development as the programme’s Managing Services Contractor.

Coffey will provide technical support and will be located within the Ministry of Justice to ensure that a more coordinated and holistic approach is taken in the implementation of the Programme.

The Programme will have two areas of focus:

1. Strengthening of the Magistrates’ Court; and

2. The development of a Youth Diversion Scheme.

Both focus areas will be supported through an improved Case Management System to meet the functional requirements of the Courts and the reporting requirements of the Ministry of Justice and Government of Tonga.

Earlier this week, the Ministry of Justice in partnership with Coffey, the Attorney General’s Office, Tonga Police and key stakeholders within and outside Government, have been part of workshops to look at ways to work together and better understand how all stakeholders can add value to the programme and track progress thereof.

- Ministry of Justice