Interfaces between Formal and Informal Justice Systems to Strengthen Access to Justice by Disadvantaged People

Source: (2003) Paper presented at the PRACTICE IN ACTION Workshop UNDP Asia-Pacific Rights and Justice Initiative.Ahungala, Sri Lanka, 19-21 November 2003

Over the past four years I have undertaken extensive policy work in PNG directed at law and justice reform. A significant part of this has involved looking at ways of improving linkages between formal and informal justice systems as a way of promoting peace and good order, and improving access to justice by the bulk of the population living in rural areas and disadvantaged urban communities. This short paper provides the historical and social background to these ongoing efforts at law and justice reform in the Melanesian context. …While drawing attention to the limitations of narrow state-centred approaches to justice in the Melanesian context, developing restorative approaches should not be seen simply as an alternative to building the capacity of state institutions. On the contrary, the promotion of restorative strategies can be an important way of enhancing the effectiveness of the latter. (excerpts)