MUSAWA – The Palestinian Center for the Independence of the Judiciary and the Legal Profession is a neutral, unpartisan and independent Palestinian civil society organization based in Ramallah and Gaza. Established in 2002 by lawyers, former judges and human rights activists dedicated to defending the independence of the judiciary and the legal profession.

MUSAWA recognizes the importance of a sound legal and judicial system, and considers is a necessity to the building of a Palestinian state. Especially in a development context of an emerging justice system, where the significance of lawyers as integral part of a rule of law system is often not sufficiently valued, we state that improving the quality of legal services as well as strengthening the status and professional attitude of lawyers, is one of the most efficient ways to put the rule of law into effect. MUSAWA recognizes that the development of such a system is a difficult task and often faces with considerable difficulties in this volatile setting.

Nevertheless, MUSAWA has taken the initiative and has continued to work towards promoting respect for the rule of law through monitoring, documenting and following up rule of law violations and non compliances; guaranteeing the positive separation of powers in the three branches of government; building on the capabilities of legal professionals to assure quality practice of the law; and guaranteeing that Palestinian law is accessible, fair, effective and accountable.

MUSAWA has extensive cooperation with other NGOs, at Palestinian and regional level. At the local level, it is a member of the Palestinian Non-Governmental Organizations Network (PNGO) and has participated in several coalitions in the past (Election Observation, Coalition of Civil Society Organizations against Torture, Coalition against Death Penalty, Coalition for Civil Peace, Coalition for the Independence of Judiciary). At the regional level, MUSAWA is a member of the Arab Anti-Corruption and Integrity Network (ACINET). At the international level, MUSAWA’s board of directors developed joint cooperative relationship with the Swiss Federal Constitution Institute. This unique relation fosters the responsiveness to its programs and activities and increases the community acceptance toward its objectives.

Vision

A State of Justice and Rule of Law in Palestine.
Mission

An independent specialized Palestinian monitoring body, working in strategic partnership with others, contributing to the establishment of a modern legal and juridical system built on legal foundations, and community monitoring to the performance of the justice pillars in courageous, transparent, professional, a set of values and good governance principles.
Strategic Goals

In alignment with its vision, mission, core values, MUSAWA’s targeted impact is to guarantee the independence of the judiciary and the legal profession. Based on its emerging Theory of Change, and its extensive experience in the field, and achievements realized during the previous planning period (2013-2015) MUSAWA has decided to pursue the following Strategic and Operational Goals for the 2016-2019. For each of the goals, specific outcomes which MUSAWA will deliver during the strategic plan period have been identified and are described in greater detail in the following section.

Strategic Goal 1: Contribute to the upholding of the rule of law in the State of Palestine

Strategic Goal 2: Contribute to the reinforcement of the culture of rule of law

Operational Goal 1: Becoming the main watchdog for CSOs, justice institutions, donors and public in upholding the rule of law in Palestine