Decree No. 7 of 2019 Concerning the Establishment of the Higher Coordinating Council of the Justice Sector

Decree No. 7 of 2019

Concerning the Establishment of the Higher Coordinating Council of the Justice Sector

The President of the State of Palestine

The Chairman of the Executive Committee of the Palestine Liberation Organisation

In reference of the Bylaw of the Palestine Liberation Organisation,

The provisions of the Amended Basic Law of 2003, as amended,

Based upon the powers vested in me, and

In pursuance of the public interest,

I hereby promulgate the following Decree:

Article 1

A Higher Coordinating Council of the Justice Sector shall be established, consisting of:

1. President of the High Court as the Chair

2. Legal Advisor to the President of the State as a member

3. Minister of Justice as a member

4. Attorney General as a member

5. Director General of the Palestinian Police as a member

6. Chairman of the Bar Association as a member

7. Director General of the Independent Commission for Human Rights as a member

Article 2

The Higher Coordinating Council of the Justice Sector shall seek to achieve the following goals:

1. Consolidate the principle of separation of powers and strengthen the rule of law.

2. Protect citizens’ right to access justice and seek redress in the judicial system.

3. Enhance the climate of confidence in components of the justice sector and remove obstacles to the mission of justice.

4. Clear the way for relations between components of the justice sector and reinforce the environment of partnership and cooperation between them.

5. Developing the visions, strategies and plans necessary for the advancement of the sector and its components.

6. Develop and upgrade laws and regulations on the justice sector and its components.

Article 3

In the course of achieving its goals, the Coordinating Council shall exercise its tasks below in accordance with the parameters set forth by the Palestinian Basic Law, in order to create the climate of confidence in access to justice as a catalyst for development and investment:

1. Improve cooperation and integration among the justice sector institutions, in accordance with the Palestinian Basic Law, effective laws, and international standards.

2. Examine the situation of components of the justice sector, as well as monitor and remove barriers to their development.

3. Examine the legislation regulating components of the justice sector and submit needed proposals and recommendations to relevant authorities in order to address it.

4. Determine and provide tools, means, and needs for the development of the justice sector institutions.

5. Resolve any problems that may arise between any components of the sector.

Article 4

1. In the context of performing its tasks, the Council shall be entitled to establish technical committees, consult with and/or seek assistance from those experts and specialists it deems fit.

2. The Council shall convene once a month and when necessary at the request of the Chair of the Council or two of its members.

3. The Undersecretary of the Ministry of Justice shall serve as the Secretary of the Council.

Article 5

All the competent authorities, each one within its sphere of jurisdiction, shall implement the provisions of this Decree, which shall enter into force as of date of its promulgation and shall be published in the Official Gazette.

Promulgated in the city of Ramallah on July 31^st, 2019 Anno Domini,

Corresponding to Thu al-Qi’dah 28^th, 1440 Anno Hegira.

Mahmoud Abbas

President of the State of Palestine

Chairman of the Executive Committee of the Palestine Liberation Organisation