Department of Justice

Canada to support Indonesia in efforts to reform justice system

Ottawa -The Honourable Diane Marleau, Minister for International Cooperation and Minister responsible for La Francophonie, and the Honourable Anne McLellan, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada, today announced the arrival of a Canadian delegation comprised of senior Justice Department officials and non-governmental legal experts in Jakarta, Indonesia. The delegation will assist Indonesia in its efforts to reform its justice system.

"Canada has a long history of development cooperation with Indonesia, including the promotion of human rights," said Madame Marleau. "Supporting the modernization of Indonesia's justice system is therefore a natural extension of our work in that country."

As part of this initiative, members of the Canadian team will work in partnership with their Indonesian counterparts to develop a reform program that may include training activities, study visits and scholarships for judges and other legal officials. This project also marks the start of a cooperative venture between the Justice Departments of Indonesia and Canada.

"Canada is known throughout the world for the quality of its justice system," said Minister McLellan. "This is an opportunity for us to share our knowledge, and help Indonesia introduce changes in this particular field."

Canada, through the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA), will contribute $3 million over three years to this initiative.

Funding for the initiative announced today was provided for in the February 1998 budget and is therefore built into the existing fiscal framework.

Information:  André Doren 
              Office of the Minister for International Cooperation and 
              Minister responsible for La Francophonie
              Telephone: 819-997-6919

              Media Relations Office
              Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA)
              Telephone: 819-953-6534
              E-Mail:info@acdi-cida.gc.ca
              Internet

              Ruth Barr
              Department of Justice
              Telephone: 613-957-4954