iii) strengthening citizen watchdog groups, and promoting ethical values in public and private institutions. Support to civil society organizations strengthens their social audit/government monitoring functions and catalyzes Panamanian focus on democracy and governance issues.
In FY 2005, civil society organizations strengthened their advocacy for reforms of the judiciary and good governance. USAID was the first donor to support the work by the Citizens’ Alliance for Justice, a coalition of 15 Panamanian civil society organizations.
This assistance resulted in a popular call for immediate action by the Executive Branch to curb public corruption and malfeasance. In quick order, the National Anti-corruption Council was established, a State Pact for Justice was signed by the President and prominent legal entities, and a Commission on Justice Reforms produced an agenda for critical reforms.
Partners/Counterparts: National Anticorruption Council
