The Palestinian Maintenance Fund (PMF) and UNDP’s Programme of Assistance to the Palestinian People through the Sawasya III Joint Programme: Reinforcing Equal Access to Justice for all Palestinians have signed an agreement today to enhance access to legal aid services for vulnerable communities in the West Bank.

Originally published on www.un.org

The agreement, signed by PMF Director Fatmeh Muaqqet and Sawasya Joint Programme Manager Simon Ridley, marks a significant step towards ensuring justice and protection for maintenance rights-holders (MRHs).

The collaborative initiative addresses the critical issue of low enforcement rates of maintenance court decisions, which currently stand at just 7%. Spanning from June 2024 to May 2025, this initiative will focus on providing support to women and children in the Centre, Northern, and Southern Governorates of the West Bank. This partnership aims to create an enabling environment for MRHs by enhancing accountability and protection through comprehensive legal aid services, increased public awareness and strengthened cooperation with legal clinics and universities.

The initiative will provide effective legal consultations and representation, ensuring the execution of court decisions. It will also conduct awareness-raising workshops and produce advocacy materials to inform the public about their rights. By building the capacity of PMF lawyers and enhancing IT infrastructure, the project aims to improve the quality and efficiency of PMF services.

The partnership between PMF and UNDP PAPP through Sawasya JP represents a significant step towards advancing justice, equality, and rights in the West Bank. This collaboration is part of Sawasya’s joint program commitment to support and enhance access to justice services for Palestinian people. By combining expertise, resources, and a shared commitment to social justice, both organizations are poised to make a meaningful difference in the lives of vulnerable communities.