The International Development Initiative works across several key areas in support of USAID’s goals in Democracy, Rights and Governance (DRG). Mobilizing ASU faculty experts in criminology, law, journalism and more, we work to promote safer, more prosperous societies grounded in the rule of law. ASU’s work in DRG includes:

• Justice sector strengthening: Strengthening the justice sector involves enhancing the capacity and independence of judicial institutions, promoting the rule of law and ensuring access to justice for all citizens. We work with local governments to strengthen legal systems through training for prosecutors, advocates and other justice sector workers; improve the effectiveness of law programs and legal training through university-based capacity strengthening; and provide in-country legal clinics in collaboration with community partners.
• Crime prevention: Crime is both a cause and effect of social, economic and political challenges that hold back country development. We work with local partners to advance community-driven and evidence-based approaches to understand and address the root causes of crime; provide support and diversion for a high-risk populations; and encourage social and familial cohesion to prevent crime and support rehabilitation of offenders.
• Eliminating gender-based violence (GBV): increasing safety and perceptions of safety for women and vulnerable groups is critical to supporting equitable, democratic societies. We advance comprehensive, community-and systems-level approaches to eliminate GBV and gender-based discrimination. ASU’s approach builds local capacity for to prevent GBV, protect women and vulnerable populations, enhance prosecution and accountability for perpetrators and create opportunities and services for GBV survivors.
• Media and journalism: ASU experts work with in-country journalists and higher education institutions to elevate the media as a driver of accountability, transparency and freedom of expression through training for journalists and journalism educators; communication strategies to help local populations identify misinformation and disinformation; and strengthening of independent local journalist organizations’ ability to promote safer, more democratic societies.