EUPOL COPPS Head of Mission, Karin Limdal met with the Director of the Palestinian Judicial Institute (PJI), Judge Belal Abu Hantash Belal Abu Hantash, in Ramallah on 17 December. The two discussed the overall implementation of the Government’s Reform Agenda and more broadly the Mission’s role within the context of the overall EU engagement with the Palestinian Authority in the area of justice.

Mission’s activities aimed at supporting the implementation of an EU grant to the PJI to enhance their capacity were mentioned in the discussions, as also the recent study trip to Sweden for members of PJI and High Judicial Council (HJC) to enhance the capacity of the PJI in court management skills, designing new trainings and producing e-learning courses through exchanges with the Swedish National Court Administration organised by the Mission.

While reaffirming EUPOL COPPS commitment in supporting the Palestinian Authority’s Justice Sector institutions on the implementation of the Justice Sector Reform Plan, the HoM stressed the importance of the participation of women in the PJI Diploma program for prosecutors and judges. Mrs. Limdal also mentioned the female networks for prosecutors and judges (and lawyers) that the Mission has contributed to establish.

Judge Abu Hantash told the HoM “EUPOL COPPS is our closest partner. We rely on your technical advice and continuous support”. EUPOL COPPS HoM reaffirmed the Mission’s continued support, including on developing and printing curriculum training material and providing expert lecturers to some of the PJI led training activities.