Justice First: Call for Proposals
Freedom House seeks proposals from both rising and experienced independent researchers, scholars, and affiliated research analysts, especially those based in Moldova, the Eastern Partnership region, and the European Union, for forward-looking briefs on the following topic:
Evaluating Moldova’s Progress on Justice Sector Reform
In June 2022, Moldova received EU candidate status and a set of structural reforms which it must fulfill to become a member of the European Union. A key commitment outlined by the European Commission is for Moldova to reduce corruption and complete comprehensive justice sector reform across all institutions. Although Moldova has made notable progress in strengthening the rule of law in recent years, the independence and accountability of the judiciary, in practice, require significant improvement.
On December 6, 2021, the Moldovan government approved a new Strategy for Ensuring the Independence and Integrity of the Justice Sector and Action Plan, which seek to improve the integrity and capacity of justice sector institutions, reduce vacancy rates across the justice sector, and increase the quality and efficiency of justice through digital transformation. The European Commission has called for Moldova to complete essential steps of its justice reform strategy and deliver on its commitment to fight corruption.
This brief will evaluate Moldova’s progress on justice sector reform in the one-year period following the adoption of its new strategy and assess the current state of key issues such as filling justice sector vacancies, proactive and efficient corruption investigations, and effective democratic oversight of justice chains. Competitive proposals should offer actionable recommendations to a wide range of stakeholders, such as government bodies, justice sector actors, international actors, educational institutions, and civil society organizations.
Procedures:
To apply, please submit concept proposals using one of the following forms by February 6, 2023.
Application: English | Romanian
Contracted researchers will be asked to deliver a draft of 2500-3000 words. The brief will be published by Freedom House, with the byline and affiliation of the scholar or researcher. The scholar or researcher may be asked to present the findings of the policy brief to relevant stakeholders. An honorarium of $700 per brief is provided.