The US began training Justice Ministry officials this week in the use of new information systems aimed at improving efficiency, transparency and accountability for Cambodia’s legal system.

“I am excited about the potential of these systems to strengthen many aspects of legal and judicial reform,” US Ambassador Carol Rodley said.

“The ministry will have the ability to more quickly and accurately identify areas where judicial reform is succeeding, and where it needs greater attention.”

The US-funded information systems will track ministry documents, establishing a database, an office intranet for file-sharing and a Web site to publicize court information, such as caseloads and clearance rates.

The four-month course, funded by the United States through USAID, will train between 75 and 90 ministry staff.

Minister of Justice Ang Vong Vathana said that the ministry will increase public awareness of the work done in Cambodian courts.

Judicial reform is dependant on citizens fully understanding their legal rights and responsibilities, and the systems will help create a more informed populace, he said.