Overview:
Japan-funded rehabilitation has made the Melekeok Judiciary Building safer, more accessible and more inclusive for court users. The $154,000 project, completed through Japan’s Grassroots Grant Projects, added accessibility lifts and improved privacy and safety at the court, marking the 105th GGP project supported in Palau since 1999.
On August 13, 2026, the handover ceremony was held at Melekeok Judiciary Building to mark the completion of the Japan-funded rehabilitation project for the Palau Judiciary Building in Melekeok. This initiative, funded through Japan’s Grassroots Grant Projects (GGP) with a grant of USD $154,000, represent a significant milestone as the 105th project supported under the GGP in the Republic of Palau.
The ceremony was attended by H.E. Surangel S. Whipps, Jr., President of the Republic of Palau, Reklai, Hon.Silverius Ouch Tellei of the House of Delegate (Melekeok), Hon. Yutaka Gibbons Jr. of the House of Delegate (Sonsorol), Hon. Francesca Ruluked Otong of the House of Delegate (Ngatpang), Hon. Oldiais Ngiraikelau, Chief Justice, Ministers, and Members of the Council of Chiefs, H. E. Kang-I Chen, ROC-Taiwan’s Ambassador to Palau, Hon. Shankar Rao, Chargé d’ Affaires at U.S. Embassy to Palau, as well as H.E. Kenichi Kasahara, the Ambassador of Japan and many other distinguished guests, all of whom gathered to celebrate the completion of the project.
The Melekeok Judiciary Building is one of the two courts in Palau and serves as a key institution supporting Palau’s judicial system. Through this project, walls were installed around the parking area to enhance the safety and privacy of court officials by preventing their movements to and from the court from being visible to the public. In addition, lifts were installed at the court’s main and near entrances to improve accessibility for community members, including older persons and persons with disabilities. These improvements have enabled people to access
judicial services more safely and easily, contributing to a safer, more inclusive, and accessible judicial environment.
Chief Justice Ngiraikelau stated, “People in wheelchairs and elderly people had difficulty accessing this building because there were many steps. We appreciate Japan’s support, assistance, and efforts in helping make access to justice a reality for them and for everyone.”
“Japan is honored to support Palau’s efforts to ensure that everyone has equal access to justice. We hope this project will help strengthen the bond between Japan and Palau and create a more accessible environment for all,” said Ambassador Kasahara.
President Whipps highlighted “We are really celebrating making sure that everybody has equal opportunities to participate, to be part of the community, and to have a voice. We want to thank Japan for its support and partnership in making this possible.”
The Embassy of Japan wishes that the renovated court building will continue to be used effectively, enabling court users to conduct legal procedures in comfort and confidence, while ensuring a barrier-free environment accessible to all, including wheelchair users, thereby further improving judicial services.
The Government of Japan’s GGP program was launched in Palau in 1999 to support grassroots development in key sectors such as education, healthcare, and infrastructure. Since its inception, the Embassy of Japan has signed 105 grant contracts with schools, hospitals, state governments, and NGOs, demonstrating a long-standing commitment to improving the quality of life in Palau.