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IDB President and Spain’s Justice Minister Sign Memorandum of Understanding to advance transformation and digitalization of justice systems in Latin America and the Caribbean, tapping into Spain’s ample experience in the matter.
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Agreement will accelerate the digitalization of justice systems in various countries in the region through access to knowledge, innovative solutions, technical assistance, and training of judicial personnel.
MADRID – During his mission to Spain, Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) President Mauricio Claver-Carone and Spain’s Justice Minister Pilar Llop Cuenca today signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to work together on the digital transformation of justice systems in Latin America and the Caribbean.
The agreement will focus on improving the management and quality of judicial systems and will accelerate the digitalization of judicial processes being carried out by various countries in the region. It will do so by increasing the exchange of information, knowledge, documentation, technological tools, and interaction between experts.
“The economic recovery that is urgently needed by countries in the region requires reliable and efficient justice systems,” said President Claver-Carone. “Spain is an international model in terms of digital justice, so this agreement opens the door to future cooperation and learning that will help strengthen our justice digitalization agenda.”
Spain’s Justice Minister Pilar Llop said the MOU will provide a stable basis for positive collaboration that benefits both institutions, as well as governments and justice systems in Latin American and the Caribbean. Llop highlighted the value of projects included in Spain’s Justice2030 plan, which is based on three laws, including one focused on digitalization, that aim to make the justice system more efficient. She added that “progress must be shared between generations, between men and women, and between territories, and this MOU will provide that extraordinary framework that allows us to continue working together.”
Too often, it takes too long for citizens in Latin America and the Caribbean to see justice delivered. Large amounts of paperwork often delay proceedings and make it hard for people to file cases. On average, court proceedings in some Latin American and Caribbean countries can take more than 600 days, compared with just 240 days for member nations of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD).
Digitalization is a key tool for accelerating judicial processes and making them more agile and accessible. Proper legal frameworks can also help guarantee legal certainty.
The IDB is backing several justice system digitalization projects with technical and financial assistance from the Government of Spain. These include a $500 million credit line to help Colombia adopt new technology and transform its justice system. The IDB is also supporting similar initiatives in Peru and Brazil.
The signing of the MOU formed part of President Claver-Carone’s mission in Spain to encourage investment in Latin America and the Caribbean, reinforce cooperation with the Government of Spain, and present Vision 2025, the IDB Group’s plan to accelerate economic recovery and sustainable growth in the post-pandemic era.
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The Inter-American Development Bank is devoted to improving lives. Established in 1959, the IDB is a leading source of long-term financing for economic, social and institutional development in Latin America and the Caribbean. The IDB also conducts cutting-edge research and provides policy advice, technical assistance and training to public and private sector clients throughout the region.
Porrua Vigon,Miguel Angel
