The International Cooperation Group

Through its International Cooperation Group, the Department of Justice has been helping countries reform their justice systems since 1990. It offers expertise in a wide range of areas, including:

• criminal justice and the organisation of the criminal prosecution function
• anti-corruption measures
• juvenile justice
• legislative drafting techniques
• civil code reform
• the structure and functioning of a Ministry of Justice

The methods of implementation best suited for each project are selected from a variety of approaches, such as arranging periods of study in Canada, conducting seminars in the country being assisted, and preparing specialised background documents to stimulate discussion and map out new directions. To ensure that its assistance is of the highest quality, the International Cooperation Group will form close working partnerships with Canadian experts from other federal departments, their provincial counterparts, the university community and the private sector.

Using these and other tools, the Group has helped meet the particular needs of many countries, including Ukraine, Hungary, the Slovak Republic, the Czech Republic, Romania, Bulgaria, Algeria, Mali, Burkina Faso, Bangladesh and Afghanistan. By maintaining high standards and drawing upon the best that Canada has to offer, the International Cooperation Group has developed a sound reputation as a leading provider of custom-designed, content-rich assistance that offers both immediate benefits and lasting value.