APPENDIX

(Prepared by Melodee A. Smith)

UN DOCUMENTS (250) referencing ‘Restorative Justice’

 

 

DATE

 

ORIGIN

 

NAME

 

CONTEXT

 

 

NOTE

 

31/03/2005

 

E/CN.4/2005/SR.11

Summary record of the 11th meeting, held at the Palais des Nations, Geneva , on Thursday, 17 March 2005 : Commission on Human Rights, 61st session

STATEMENT BY THE MINISTER FOR FOREIGN AFFAIRS AND COOPERATION OF TIMOR‑LESTE

Justice came in a number of forms.  Retributive justice demanded legal prosecution and punishment, whereby the victim was a witness for the State.  Restorative justice, which, as had been seen from the experiences of many countries, was the main focus for truth commissions, focused on people.  The victims were the primary concern and the perpetrator was compelled to tell the truth.  Timor-Leste required focus to be placed on restorative justice in order that primary attention was given to people, participation, dialogue, needs and the future.  The question arose how far the people of Timor‑Leste should go back into the past in search of truth and justice, and whether they should dwell on the role of the numerous international actors who, by their silence or active complicity with the Suharto regime, had enabled it to stay in power for too long and repress its own people and the people of Timor-Leste.  The Government found it ironic that there were currently much greater demands and pressure on the new, democratic Indonesia as it attempted to redress the wrongs of the past by embarking on a complex democratization process.

 

16/03/2005

 

 

E/CN.4/2005/101/ADD.1

PROMOTION AND PROTECTION OF HUMAN RIGHTS: HUMAN RIGHTS DEFENDERS

 

Philippines - On 24 September 2004, the Special Representative sent an allegation letter in connection with the death of Rashid Manahan, a human rights defender, executive director of the Community Resource and Development Center (CRDC), a non-governmental organization based in Boliao District, Supermarket Area, and Mindanao coordinator of the Mamamayan Tutol sa Bitay Movement for Restorative Justice.  According to the information received, on 24 August 2004, Mr. Rashid Manahan, was killed in broad daylight in front of Ponce Suites, Bajada, in Davao City . It is alleged that he was with Prof. Nymia Simbulan, Executive Director of Philrights and Ms. Martha Alvarez, a representative of the European Union. The three were on their way to attend a forum against the death penalty in Mindanao . Mr. Manahan was reportedly killed by the Davao Death Squad that is linked to more than 100 unsolved killings.  Concern has been expressed that the murder of Mr. Rashid Manahan is the  result of his dedication to the defence of human rights.

 

14/03/2005

 

 

A/CONF.203/16

PRELIMINARY TEXT OF THE DRAFT BANGKOK DECLARATION ON CRIME AND JUSTICE, SYNERGIES AND RESPONSES: STRATEGIC ALLIANCES IN CRIME PREVENTION AND CRIMINAL JUSTICE: NOTE BY THE SECRETARIAT

Declaration 24 - We recognize the importance of further developing restorative justice policies, procedures and programmes in order to decrease the caseload of criminal courts, as well as of promoting the incorporation of restorative justice approaches into criminal justice practices, as appropriate.

 

 

03/03/2005

 

 

A/CONF.203/1

11TH UNITED NATIONS CONGRESS ON CRIME PREVENTION AND CRIMINAL JUSTICE : BANGKOK , 18-25 APRIL 2005 : ANNOTATED PROVISIONAL AGENDA AND ORGANIZATION OF WORK

Organization of work - In its resolution 58/138, the General Assembly approved the provisional agenda for the Congress, including the holding of six technical workshops on the following subjects:

Enhancing criminal justice reform, including restorative justice. In its resolution 2002/12, the Economic and Social Council encouraged Member States to draw on the basic principles on the use of restorative justice programmes in criminal matters (annexed to the resolution) in the development and operation of restorative justice programmes; and called upon Member States that had adopted restorative justice practices to make information about those practices available to other States upon request.

Making standards work: fifty years of standard-setting in crime prevention and criminal justice

 

28/02/2005

 

 

A/CONF.203/INF.1

INFORMATION FOR PARTICIPANTS : 11TH UNITED NATIONS CONGRESS ON CRIME PREVENTION AND CRIMINAL JUSTICE : BANGKOK , 18-25 APRIL 2005

Theme and Agenda - workshops on the following subjects:

Enhancing criminal justice reform, including restorative justice

 

24/02/2005

A/CONF.203/10

WORKSHOP 2: ENHANCING CRIMINAL JUSTICE REFORM, INCLUDING RESTORATIVE JUSTICE : BACKGROUND PAPER 

Paper provides recommendations for discussion

Rj file

24/01/2005

A/59/6/REV.1 (SUPP)

BIENNIAL PROGRAMME PLAN AND PRIORITIES FOR THE PERIOD 2006-2007 

ESOC Resolution 2002/12 Basic principles on the use of restorative justice programmes in criminal matters

 

13/01/2005

 

 

E/CN.7/2005/8

UNITED NATIONS OFFICE ON DRUGS AND CRIME: CONSOLIDATED BUDGET OUTLINE FOR 2006-2007 : REPORT OF THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

3.         Rule of law ($40.4 million)  This thematic sector comprises activities related to the programmes on: (a) anti-corruption; (b) anti-money-laundering; and (c) criminal justice reform. UNODC will concentrate on restoring criminal justice systems in post-conflict countries and on integrating law reform, juvenile justice, correctional services, restorative justice and victim support schemes. This will require the rehabilitation of infrastructure and the training of judiciary officials, prosecutors, police, correctional officers, defense lawyers and welfare officers. Good practices related to the use of alternative measures and non-custodial sentences and criminal justice management, including the use of criminal justice statistics, will be promoted. UNODC will encourage the exchange of knowledge and experience among developing countries.

 

01/01/2005

S/PV.5132

Security Council, 60th year : 5132nd meeting, Monday, 28 February 2005, New York

Justice comes in a number of forms, criminal prosecution being the most common. Retributive justice demands legal prosecution or punishment, whereby the victim is the State, and the victim a witness for the State. It is adversarial and focused on the past. Restorative justice — the main focus of truth commissions — is about people, where the victims are the primary concern and not simply witnesses, and the perpetrator is compelled to truth. Timor-Leste requires the focus to be on restorative justice so that primary attention is given to people, participation, dialogue, needs and the future. Our past is both tragic and bloody; if we are to reach back into the past, how far do we go? The greatest act of justice and blessing bestowed on the people of East Timor is our freedom. Today we are free. That is justice, for there can be no greater justice than our freedom.

 

06/12/2004

E/2005/7 • A/60/61

World Youth Report 2005 : report of the Secretary-General

On Juvenile Delinquency 85.  There is a preference for social rather than judicial approaches to dealing with young offenders in a number of United Nations instruments. The Riyadh Guidelines assert that the prevention of juvenile delinquency is an essential part of overall crime prevention in society, and the United Nations Standard Minimum Rules for the Administration of Juvenile Justice (the Beijing Rules) recommend instituting positive measures to strengthen a juvenile’s overall well-being and reduce the need for State intervention.28 It is widely believed that early phase intervention represents the best approach to preventing juvenile delinquency, and the prevention of recurring crime is best achieved through restorative justice.

 

05/12/2004

CRC/C/65/ADD.31

Committee on the rights of the child

6(h)      Legislation on the administration of juvenile justice.  RA 8369, Family Courts Act of 1997 granted exclusive original jurisdiction over child and family cases in the family courts.  A draft bill on the comprehensive juvenile justice system has been endorsed for consideration.  The bill adopts the framework of diversion, restorative justice which aims at rehabilitating the child, providing restitution in favor of the victim, and fostering peace in the community.  It also adopts the principles of: (1) prevention of juvenile delinquency; (2) deprivation of liberty as a last resort; (3) prohibition of harsh treatment; (4) prohibition of unlawful or arbitrary deprivation of liberty; (5) access to legal assistance; and (6) limitation on restrictions of liberty.  A bill has also been filed to decriminalize vagrancy.

 

18/11/2004

CCPR/C/CAN/2004/5

International covenant
on civil and
political rights

The Restorative Justice Program is a partnership between government and communities to develop restorative justice capacities in Nova Scotia .  The program uses existing youth justice agencies to deliver Restorative Justice Programs.  After a trial period, the Program expanded province-wide in September 2001.

Restorative justice provides community members with an opportunity to voice their feelings and concerns and show disapproval of the offender's behaviour without branding them as outcasts; and be actively involved in a process that holds offenders accountable and repairs the harm caused to the victim and the community.  Restorative programs place a high value on face-to-face meetings between the victim, offender and community.  During the course of the meeting, each party is given an opportunity to tell the story of the crime from their own perspective, and talk about their concerns and feelings.  The meeting helps the parties develop an understanding of the crime, of the other parties, and of the steps needed to make amends.  The meeting concludes with an agreement outlining how the offender will make reparation.  Reparation can include monetary payment, service to the victim, community service or any other outcome agreed upon in the process.  Terms of the agreement can be personalized to take into consideration the individual circumstances of the offender.

Numerous references – rj file

06/08/2004

E/2004/INF/2/ADD.2

Resolutions and decisions adopted by the Economic and Social Council at its substantive session for 2004 (28 June 2004 to 23 July2004)

Recalling the plans of action for the implementation of the Vienna Declaration on Crime and Justice, in particular the actions against transnational organized crime, corruption, money-laundering, terrorism and high-technology and computer-related crime and the actions on crime prevention, witnesses and victims of crime, prison overcrowding and alternatives to incarceration, juvenile justice, special needs of women in the criminal justice system, standards and norms and restorative justice.

5 references – rj file

04/08/2004

 

 

A/59/205

Strengthening the United Nations Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice Programme, in particular its technical cooperation capacity : report of the Secretary-General

Other major activities -Implementation of United Nations standards and norms in crime prevention and criminal justice -

In accordance with Economic and Social Council resolution 2003/30 of 22 July 2003, adopted by the Council on the recommendation of the Commission on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice at its twelfth session, in March 2004 the Office convened an intergovernmental expert group meeting, which prepared draft information-gathering instruments in relation to standards and norms related primarily to persons in custody, non-custodial sanctions and juvenile and restorative justice. The meeting also proposed new ways and means of maximizing the effectiveness of technical assistance to Member States in crime prevention and criminal justice, including in the context of peacekeeping and post-conflict situations to strengthen capacity-building and the promotion of the rule of law.

 

27/07/2004

E/ICEF/2004/P/L.32

Summary of midterm reviews and major evaluations of country programmes : Central and Eastern Europe, the Commonwealth of Independent States and the Baltic States region

Progress and key results at midterm  62.   A review of national legislation in the framework of the Convention on the Rights of the Child was carried out and work started on the development of a separate legal code for children. A shared understanding of restorative justice (avoiding court and criminal procedures and using instead visits by social workers and contacts with probation officers) was developed among professionals working in the field of juvenile justice. A child police unit was established in all 81 provinces and child rights commissions were established in 27 provinces.

 

08/07/2004

E/ICEF/2004/P/L.25

Recommendation for approval of additional regular resources for approved county programmes

5.         The increased planning level for 2004 provides the Kyrgyzstan programme with an additional $5,000 from regular resources, for which approval is sought. The mother and child survival, development and protection programme will be allocated an additional $2,000 to cover the costs of continued research and advocacy on iodine deficiency disorders. An additional $2,000 will be allocated to the child enrichment programme to review child protection reform which has been initiated by the Government. The young people’s well-being programme will be allocated the remaining $1,000 to support a legislative and administrative framework on juvenile justice and restorative justice.

 

01/07/2004

E/2004/90 • A/59/123

Preparations for the 11th United Nations Congress on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice : report of the Secretary-General

Cited above

 

11/06/2004

E/CN.15/2004/16(SUPP)

 • E/2004/30(SUPP)

COMMISSION ON CRIME PREVENTION AND CRIMINAL JUSTICE : REPORT ON THE 13TH SESSION, 11-20 MAY 2004 : ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL COUNCIL : OFFICIAL RECORDS, 2004 : SUPPLEMENT NO. 10

Numerous cites

RJ file

10/06/2004

E/CN.4/SUB.2/AC.4/2004/6

International Decade of the World's Indigenous People : report on the Expert Seminar on Indigenous Peoples and the Administration of Justice ( Madrid , 12-14 November 2003)

26.       Mr. Wilton Littlechild, an indigenous lawyer from Canada , cited some examples of good practice in his country.  In particular, Mr. Littlechild referred to the Saskatchewan Commission on First Nations and Métis Peoples and Justice Reform, which had been set up to review the system of justice and its effects on the first nations and Métis peoples.  The expert mentioned that in an effort to improve the situation of the aboriginal people, the Commissioners had at an early stage sought the views of groups of beneficiaries, adopting an inclusive approach and basing the dialogue on the indigenous culture and the advice of elders.  The Commission’s final report, which would cover such matters as youth, racism, victimization and violence, policing, restorative justice, governance and community development, justice institutions and crime prevention, would be submitted in 2004.

 

08/06/2004

E/CN.4/SUB.2/2004/22/ADD.1

Housing and property restitution in the context of the return of refugees and internally displaced persons : progress report of the Special Rapporteur, Paulo Sergio Pinheiro, submitted in accordance with Sub-Commission resolution 2002/7 : addendum

Commentary to Section I of the Draft Principles on The Right
to Housing and Property Restitution

5.         Section I outlines overarching principles which shall be applied to all of the rights spelt out in the Draft Principles.  In paragraph 1.1, and throughout the text, the term “restitution” refers to an equitable remedy, or a form of restorative justice, by which persons who suffer loss or injury are returned as far as possible to their original pre-loss or pre-injury position.  The recognition of the right to housing and property restitution for refugees and other displaced persons is based on the standards articulated throughout the Draft Principles, inter alia, the right to safe and dignified return and the right to a remedy for violations of international human rights and humanitarian law.

 

43.       The term “compensation” refers to a legal remedy by which a person receives monetary payment for harm suffered, for example resulting from the impossibility of restoring the person’s property or house.  Compensation should not be seen as an alternative to restitution and should only be used when restitution is not factually possible or when the injured party knowingly and voluntarily accepts compensation in lieu of restitution.  For example, an injured party should receive compensation to remedy the wrongful dispossession of housing only if that particular housing no longer exists or if the injured party knowingly and voluntarily decides it is in his or her interest not to return to his or her home.  The Draft Principles do acknowledge, however, that
in some cases, a combination of compensation and restitution may be the most appropriate remedy and form of restorative justice.  There is flexibility in this regard.  Nonetheless, in all cases it is the injured party who should be able to knowingly and voluntarily decide whether to accept restitution, compensation, or a combination thereof.

 

02/06/2004

E/CN.4/SUB.2/2004/22

Housing and property restitution in the context of the return of refugees and internally displaced persons : progress report of the Special Rapporteur, Paulo Sergio Pinheiro, submitted in accordance with Sub-Commission resolution 2002/7

Introduction

1.         At its fifty-fifth session, the Sub-Commission on the Promotion and Protection of Human Rights, in its resolution 2003/18, welcomed the preliminary report submitted by the Special Rapporteur, Paulo Sérgio Pinheiro, on housing and property restitution in the context of the return of refugees and internally displaced persons (E/CN.4/Sub.2/2003/11) and endorsed the conclusions and recommendation contained therein.  The preliminary report contained an overview of real world cases where restitution was utilized as a remedy, with an emphasis on post-conflict situations.  The study also provided an analysis of common obstacles to restitution, and emphasized the importance of restitution as a form of restorative justice. 

Numerous cites

19/05/2004

E/CN.15/2004/L.9/REV.1

REVISED DRAFT RESOLUTION SUBMITTED BY THE CHAIRMAN : UNITED NATIONS STANDARDS AND NORMS IN CRIME PREVENTION AND CRIMINAL JUSTICE

5.         Takes note of the instruments for gathering information on United Nations standards and norms related primarily to persons in custody, non-custodial sanctions and juvenile and restorative justice, as revised by the Intergovernmental Expert Group Meeting;

 

18/05/2004

E/CN.15/2004/L.1/ADD.5

Draft report : Commission on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice, 13th session, Vienna , 11-20 May 2004 : addendum

Deliberations 23.         The observer for Defence for Children International noted that the Committee on the Rights of the Child had reported that States parties were having difficulties in implementing the Convention on the Rights of the Child, as well as related United Nations standards and norms concerning children in conflict with the law, especially children deprived of their liberty. He referred to the Defence for Children International report entitled Kids behind bars: a study on children in conflict with the law; towards investing in prevention, stopping incarceration and meeting international standards,[1] which had shown that over one million children were deprived of their liberty worldwide and were held in deplorable conditions in clear violation of international law. He stated that Member States should be encouraged to develop national action plans on juvenile justice that would set targets for reducing the number of children arrested, detained or imprisoned and focusing on data collection and analysis, prevention of juvenile delinquency, promotion of alternatives, including restorative justice, and improving the conditions of children deprived of their liberty.

 

18/05/2004

E/CN.15/2004/L.7/REV.1

CANADA , CROATIA , GHANA AND PORTUGAL : REVISED DRAFT RESOLUTION : GUIDELINES ON JUSTICE FOR CHILD VICTIMS AND WITNESSES OF CRIME

Guidelines on justice for child victims and witnesses of crime

            3.         Invites the Eleventh United Nations Congress on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice, under the substantive item entitled “Making standards work: fifty years of standard-setting in crime prevention and criminal justice”, during the Workshop on Enhancing Criminal Justice Reform, including Restorative Justice, and during the ancillary meetings of non-governmental and professional organizations, to consider and discuss the issue of guidelines on justice for child victims and witnesses of crime, and invites the intergovernmental expert group to take into account the results of those discussions in carrying out its work

 

17/05/2004

DL/VN/2004/45

DAILY LIST : 11 MAY 2004

4. DRAFT INFORMATION-GATHERING INSTRUMENT ON STANDARDS AND NORMS PRIMARILY RELATED TO RESTORATIVE JUSTICE

 

17/05/2004

E/CN.15/2004/L.1/ADD.3

Draft report : Commission on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice, 13th session, Vienna , 11-20 May 2004 : addendum

22.       Informal conflict resolution mechanisms, based on the principles of restorative justice, could play an important role in the promotion of the rule of law. In societies in transitional and post-conflict situations, reform of the criminal justice system should be geared to building public confidence, in particular towards the police. Development assistance packages should be based on the unique situation of the countries requesting assistance and be in line with national priorities. Such packages should include a rule of law component, including strengthening of criminal justice institutions. An open dialogue was required with development organizations, financial institutions and other relevant bodies on how to increase the level of financial assistance to projects addressing rule of law issues, as articulated by countries in need. Technical assistance to least developed and developing countries should be increased, so that they could address priority needs and comply with international obligations.

 

17/05/2004

CERD/C/409/ADD.4

Reports submitted by States parties under article 9 of the Convention: International Convention on the Elimination of all Forms of Racial Discrimination : 16th periodic reports of States parties due in 2003 : addendum : Canada

Aboriginal peoples and the justice system

53.       The Diversity and Gender Equality Office of the Department of Justice collaborated with the Métis National Council of Women, Pauktuutit Inuit Women’s Association, and the Native Women’s Association of Canada to convene the first Aboriginal Women’s Justice Consultation.  It was funded by the federal Voluntary Sector Initiative and was held in September 2001.  The Consultation focused on five areas:  a gender analysis update from key federal departments in terms of the impact on Aboriginal women; restorative justice; treatment of Aboriginal peoples by the justice system; family law; and a model of Strategic Planning based on Aboriginal values.

 

13/05/2004

E/CN.15/2004/L.4/REV.1

NIGERIA : REVISED DRAFT RESOLUTION : THE RULE OF LAW AND DEVELOPMENT : STRENGTHENING THE RULE OF LAW AND THE REFORM OF CRIMINAL JUSTICE INSTITUTIONS, WITH EMPHASIS ON TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE, INCLUDING IN POST-CONFLICT RECONSTRUCTION

Recalling the plans of action for the implementation of the Vienna Declaration on Crime and Justice, in particular the actions against transnational organized crime, corruption, money-laundering, terrorism and high-technology and computer-related crime and the actions on crime prevention, witnesses and victims of crime, prison overcrowding and alternatives to incarceration, juvenile justice, special needs of women in the criminal justice system, standards and norms and restorative justice,

 

11/05/2004

E/CN.15/2004/L.9

DRAFT RESOLUTION SUBMITTED BY THE CHAIRMAN : UNITED NATIONS STANDARDS AND NORMS IN CRIME PREVENTION AND CRIMINAL JUSTICE

5.         Approves the instruments for gathering information on United Nations standards and norms related primarily to persons in custody, non-custodial sanctions and juvenile and restorative justice, as revised by the Intergovernmental Expert Group Meeting

 

10/05/2004

E/CN.15/2004/L.7

CANADA : DRAFT RESOLUTION : GUIDELINES ON JUSTICE FOR CHILD VICTIMS AND WITNESSES OF CRIME

3.         Invites the Eleventh United Nations Congress on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice, under the substantive item entitled “Making standards work: fifty years of standard-setting in crime prevention and criminal justice”, during the Workshop on Enhancing Criminal Justice Reform, including Restorative Justice and during the ancillary meetings of non-governmental and professional organizations, to consider and discuss the issue of the guidelines on justice for child victims and witnesses of crime and to develop recommendations to be forwarded to the intergovernmental expert group for its consideration

 

10/05/2004

E/CN.15/2004/L.4

NIGERIA : DRAFT RESOLUTION : THE RULE OF LAW AND DEVELOPMENT : STRENGTHENING THE RULE OF LAW AND THE REFORM OF CRIMINAL JUSTICE INSTITUTIONS, WITH EMPHASIS ON TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE, INCLUDING IN POST-CONFLICT RECONSTRUCTION

Recalling the plans of action for the implementation of the Vienna Declaration on Crime and Justice, in particular the actions against transnational organized crime, corruption, money-laundering, terrorism and high-technology and computer-related crime and the actions on crime prevention, witnesses and victims of crime, prison overcrowding and alternatives to incarceration, juvenile justice, special needs of women in the criminal justice system, standards and norms and restorative justice

 

04/05/2004

A/CONF.203/RPM.4/1

REPORT OF THE WESTERN ASIAN REGIONAL PREPARATORY MEETING FOR THE ELEVENTH UNITED NATIONS CONGRESS ON CRIME PREVENTION AND CRIMINAL JUSTICE

Cited above

 

29/04/2004

A/CONF.203/RPM.4/L.2

DRAFT REPORT : WESTERN ASIAN REGIONAL PREPARATORY MEETING FOR THE 11TH UNITED NATIONS CONGRESS ON CRIME PREVENTION AND CRIMINAL JUSTICE : BEIRUT , 28-30 APRIL 2004

Workshop 2. Enhancing Criminal Justice Reform, including Restorative Justice

The Meeting recommended that Workshop 2 explore ways and means of improving knowledge on the effects of imprisonment on women and juveniles and ways to raise their awareness of the functioning of the criminal justice system and the rights afforded to them by the system.

 

29/04/2004

A/CONF.203/RPM.2/1

REPORT OF THE LATIN AMERICAN AND CARIBBEAN REGIONAL PREPARATORY MEETING FOR THE ELEVENTH UNITED NATIONS CONGRESS ON CRIME PREVENTION AND CRIMINAL JUSTICE

Workshop 2. Enhancing Criminal Justice Reform, including Restorative Justice

68.       The Meeting recommended that Workshop 2 conduct an extensive, comprehensive review of current criminal justice reform worldwide, to include the examination of new legislation and practices in drafting criminal, substantive and procedural codes, as well as the consequent structural and material adjustments required. It also recommended that the relationships between law reforms and the underlying legal culture be given due attention, especially in countries where indigenous people relied on traditional and customary justice, based on community participation, restitution, compensation, mediation, arbitration and other forms of conflict resolution used to achieve the peaceful settlement of disputes. The Workshop should also examine ways to expand access to justice, to increase confidence in the legal system and to establish the credibility of institutions of the legal system. The Meeting recommended that restorative forms of justice be reviewed, taking into account the concerns of the victim, in accordance with the Declaration of Basic Principles of Justice for Victims of Crime and Abuse of Power, as well as training programmes designed for criminal justice personnel implementing restorative justice programmes.

 

20/04/2004

A/CONF.203/RPM.2/L.2/ADD.1

DRAFT REPORT : ADDENDUM : LATIN AMERICAN AND CARIBBEAN REGIONAL PREPARATORY MEETING FOR THE 11TH UNITED NATIONS CONGRESS ON CRIME PREVENTION AND CRIMINAL JUSTICE : SAN JOSÉ , 19-21 APRIL 2004

Cited above

 

20/04/2004

E/CN.15/2004/3

THEMATIC DISCUSSION ON THE RULE OF LAW AND DEVELOPMENT: THE CONTRIBUTION OF OPERATIONAL ACTIVITIES IN CRIME PREVENTION AND CRIMINAL JUSTICE : NOTE BY THE SECRETARY-GENERAL

B.         Strengthening the rule of law and the reform of criminal justice institutions, with emphasis on technical assistance, including in post-conflict reconstruction

14.       In the Vienna Declaration on Crime and Justice: Meeting the Challenges of the Twenty-first Century,1 Member States emphasized that effective action for crime prevention and criminal justice required the involvement of Governments and national, regional, interregional and international institutions; recognized that United Nations standards and norms in crime prevention and criminal justice contributed to efforts to deal with crime effectively, including in the field of juvenile justice and prison reform; acknowledged that comprehensive crime prevention strategies had to address the root causes and risk factors related to crime and victimization; and encouraged the development of restorative justice policies, procedures and programmes.

15.       In that perspective, the panel discussion could focus on the prevention and control of urban violence and crime, especially among juveniles, as well as best practices in restorative justice, taking fully into account community participation and support.

 

16/04/2004

E/CN.15/2004/9

UNITED NATIONS STANDARDS AND NORMS IN CRIME PREVENTION AND CRIMINAL JUSTICE : REPORT OF THE SECRETARY-GENERAL

14.       The Netherlands also stressed its support for the rights of victims of criminal acts within the criminal procedure, including the right to proper treatment, information and compensation, as well as the promotion of certain forms of restorative justice, based on the Council of the European Union framework decision of 15 March 2001 on the standing of victims in criminal proceedings.

20.       The Expert Group Meeting reviewed four draft information-gathering instruments on standards and norms, related to persons in custody, non-custodial sanctions and juvenile and restorative justice, which had been developed with the assistance of the European Institute for Crime Prevention and Control, affiliated with the United Nations, and commented on by other members of the United Nations Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice Programme network. The draft instruments are before the Commission as conference room papers.

 

08/04/2004

A/59/6(PROG.13)

Proposed strategic framework for the period 2006-2007. Part 2 : biennial programme plan. Programme 13, International drug control, crime prevention and criminal justice

2002/12           Basic principles on the use of restorative justice programmes in criminal matters

 

06/04/2004

A/CONF.203/RPM.1/1

REPORT OF THE ASIAN AND PACIFIC REGIONAL PREPARATORY MEETING FOR THE 11TH UNITED NATIONS CONGRESS ON CRIME PREVENTION AND CRIMINAL JUSTICE

Cited above

 

06/04/2004

A/CONF.203/RPM.4/L.1

PROVISIONAL AGENDA AND PROPOSED ORGANIZATION OF WORK : WESTERN ASIAN REGIONAL PREPARATORY MEETING FOR THE 11TH UNITED NATIONS CONGRESS ON CRIME PREVENTION AND CRIMINAL JUSTICE : BEIRUT , 28-30 APRIL 2004

Cited above

 

02/04/2004

E/CN.15/2004/9/ADD.1

UNITED NATIONS STANDARDS AND NORMS IN CRIME PREVENTION AND CRIMINAL JUSTICE : REPORT OF THE SECRETARY-GENERAL : ADDENDUM

Review of the draft information-gathering instruments on standards and norms related primarily to persons in custody, non-custodial sanctions, and juvenile and restorative justice; and on standards and norms related primarily to legal, institutional and practical arrangements for international cooperation

9. The experts stressed the importance of the continued development of standards and norms and assessment of their application. It was important to agree on definitions of the concepts and terminology used in the instruments, such as “restorative justice” and “custody”, and also to use the same information-gathering instruments for both developed and developing countries in order to identify the needs for criminal justice reform and the sharing of information on best practices.

 

29/03/2004

A/CONF.203/RPM.1/L.2

DRAFT REPORT : ASIA AND PACIFIC REGIONAL PREPARATORY MEETING FOR THE 11TH UNITED NATIONS CONGRESS ON CRIME PREVENTION AND CRIMINAL JUSTICE : BANGKOK , 29-31 MARCH 2004

Cited above

 

24/03/2004

E/CN.15/2004/4

ACTIVITIES OF THE INSTITUTES COMPRISING THE UNITED NATIONS CRIME PREVENTION AND CRIMINAL JUSTICE PROGRAMME NETWORK : REPORT OF THE SECRETARY-GENERAL

Activities of the regional and affiliated institutes

A.         Asia and Far East Institute for the Prevention of Crime and the Treatment of Offenders

g)         Action on witness and victim protection. The 123rd international seminar, held from January to February 2003, on the protection of victims of crime and the active participation of victims in the criminal justice process, specifically considering restorative justice approaches;

(k)        Action on restorative justice. During the 123rd international seminar, participants discussed the possibilities of restorative justice approaches and problems involved.

 

International Centre for Criminal Law Reform and Criminal Justice Policy

b)         Protection of human rights through criminal law in national systems; and criminal justice policy development: restorative justice. At the request of and working with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, the Centre is developing a discussion guide on enhancing criminal justice reform, including restorative justice, for the workshop to be held during the Eleventh Congress. With the support of the Government of Canada, the Centre is prepared to take the lead in organizing the workshop

 

22/03/2004

E/CN.15/2004/12

GOOD PRACTICES IN CRIME PREVENTION : REPORT OF THE SECRETARY-GEN

II.          Expert group meeting held in Durban , South Africa

The following topical issues should be covered in the manual: violence against women and targeted crime prevention projects; neighbourhood crime prevention organizations in different types of residential setting with different socio-economic levels; school anti-gun programmes; school-based drug abuse programmes; programmes against sexual harassment in the workplace; anti-gang programmes; organized crime: linkages between international, national and local manifestations and responses; crime prevention community education campaigns; programmes against corruption in the workplace; street children and the risk of delinquency; children orphaned by the acquired immuno defficiency syndrome (AIDS) and the risk of delinquency; private security and its role in safety from crime; electronic and video surveillance for business and urban renewal purposes; migrants and xenophobia prevention programmes at the community level; the role of mediation and conflict resolution and restorative justice at the community level and within the criminal justice system.

 

22/03/2004

E/CN.15/2004/11

PREPARATIONS FOR THE 11TH UNITED NATIONS CONGRESS ON CRIME PREVENTION AND CRIMINAL JUSTICE : REPORT OF THE SECRETARY-GENERAL

Cited above

 

16/03/2004

A/CONF.203/RPM.3

REPORT OF THE AFRICAN REGIONAL PREPARATORY MEETING FOR THE 11H UNITED NATIONS CONGRESS ON CRIME PREVENTION AND CRIMINAL JUSTICE

Cited above

 

01/03/2004

A/CONF.203/RPM.3/L.2

DRAFT REPORT OF THE AFRICAN REGIONAL PREPARATORY MEETING FOR THE 11TH UNITED NATIONS CONGRESS ON CRIME PREVENTION AND CRIMINAL JUSTICE

Cited above

 

27/02/2004

E/CN.4/2004/88

Impunity : note / by the Secretary-General

7.         Strict limits on the length of this study do not allow extensive consideration of each aspect of the mandate.  In view of the in-depth work on reparations undertaken by M. Cherif Bassiouni and Theo van Boven,[i] principles 33-42 have not received the independent attention in this study that would be merited by their importance alone.[ii]  The central importance of reparations is reflected, nonetheless, throughout this study; virtually every measure addressed in this report has a reparative dimension.  More generally, it has not been possible to reflect many salutary developments, including recent initiatives inspired by the ideal of restorative justice.

 

11/02/2004

A/CONF.203/PM.1

DISCUSSION GUIDE : 11TH UNITED NATIONS CONGRESS ON CRIME PREVENTION AND CRIMINAL JUSTICE ( BANGKOK , 18-25 APRIL 2005)

Workshop 2.   Enhancing Criminal Justice Reform, including Restorative Justice

A.         Scope

145.     There has been growing interest in testing and promoting new methods for improving the administration of justice worldwide, as was apparent from the thematic discussion by the Commission on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice at its eleventh session of reform of the criminal justice system: achieving effectiveness and equity.

146.     Workshop 2 will address current challenges facing criminal justice administration. Victims and offenders, especially from poorer social strata, have limited access to justice. Victims feel re-victimized after a trial in which they do not actively participate. Offenders “pay the price” for the crime they have committed with little or no consideration given to rehabilitation. Judges are under pressure to make retributive decisions on sentencing. The cost on the judicial system is rising, as trials become longer and more complicated. The retributive process that has traditionally focused on the offender and the State is seen as archaic and still too rarely resorts to non-custodial sanctions or other alternatives, including restorative justice.

147.     In recent years a variety of reforms have been initiated to confront such problems. Community policing initiatives have been instituted where police work proactively and in partnership with citizens to identify and solve problems at an early stage. In many instances greater prosecutorial discretion has been given with respect to non-violent and minor offences. Innovative sentencing approaches such as house arrest, part-time detention and weekend detention have also been instituted. Other measures aimed at deterrence such as the “three strikes and you’re out” penalty of life imprisonment and mandatory minimum sentences are being tried but have also been subject to heavy criticism.

148.     Community corrective measures, which include mechanisms such as probation and parole, have also emerged as viable and effective alternatives to imprisonment. This increased use of community measures has been made possible by technical advance in offender assessment, classification and programmes aimed at rehabilitation.

149.     Among the array of alternative measures, restorative justice has emerged as an attempt to reinstate the beneficial aspects of more traditional systems of justice. Workshop 2 will familiarize participants with the directions that restorative justice has taken internationally, including the emergence of international principles to guide policy and the practice emerging in this field.

            B.         Objectives

150.     Three major outcomes are expected:

            (a)        An information exchange on recent successful criminal justice reform initiatives, based upon the Declaration of Basic Principles of Justice for Victims of Crime and Abuse of Power and other international instruments, including the basic principles on the use of restorative justice programmes in criminal matters;

            (b)        Encouragement of the establishment of intergovernmental projects of research into evidence-based approaches for the further development of restorative justice practices;

            (c)        Identification of opportunities for information-sharing and the provision of technical assistance (project ideas and proposals) for least developed countries and countries with economies in transition, with a view to supporting their criminal justice reforms, including the development of restorative justice programmes.

151.     Workshop 2 will provide an opportunity to identify and create collaborative opportunities and practical applications for research, training and other technical cooperation activities to promote and support criminal justice reform, including the use of restorative justice.

152.     It is expected that Workshop 2 will ensure that criminal justice reforms are grounded in international standards and that restorative justice programmes in particular are guided by basic principles. The Workshop should also lead to regional strategies, initiatives and policies to guide the development of restorative justice and other reform programmes.

            C.        Questions for discussion

153.     For workshop 2, participants are invited to bring with them data on evaluative research conducted in their countries on major criminal justice reforms that have been implemented in the last five years. On the basis of such data, discussions could be focused on the following questions:

            (a)        What have been the main factors for success (best practices)?

            (b)        What have been the main obstacles to success?

            (c)        How have such obstacles been overcome?

Rj file

28/01/2004

A/CONF.203/RPM.3/L.1

PROVISIONAL AGENDA AND PROPOSED ORGANIZATION OF WORK : AFRICAN REGIONAL PREPARATORY MEETING FOR THE 11TH UNITED NATIONS CONGRESS ON CRIME PREVENTION AND CRIMINAL JUSTICE ( ADDIS ABABA , 1-3 MARCH 2004)

Cited above

 

26/01/2004

E/CN.4/2004/80

Human rights and indigenous issues : report of the Special Rapporteur on the Situation of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms of Indigenous People, Rodolfo Stavenhagen

Discrimination and the cj system - In this regard, traditional methods of restorative justice have been identified as a means of responding positively to offences committed by children, in accordance with human rights principles.  Indigenous traditions can be a means of dealing with children in conflict with the law in a constructive manner, without resorting to punitive approaches, hence favouring their reintegration in the community.  Constructive approaches to dealing with children in conflict with the law should build on indigenous traditions; they can be educational, favouring the child’s rehabilitation, as they involve both the child and the community, and they prove to be less costly and more effective than keeping a child in detention.

 

There is increasing interest in New Zealand in the concept of restorative justice.  The Ministry of Justice interprets this in a practical sense to mean a process whereby parties with a stake in a specific offence collectively resolve how to deal with the aftermath of the offence and its implications for the future.  The adoption or recognition of restorative justice concepts in legislation brings customary and statute law closer together.  The concept and practice of Family Group Conferences, closely allied with restorative justice models, aims to provide holistic engagement with young offenders and give them, their families and the community a stake in reducing crime and building stronger communities from the “flax roots” up.

 

21/01/2004

A/CONF.203/RPM.2/L.1

PROVISIONAL AGENDA AND PROPOSED ORGANIZATION OF WORK : LATIN AMERICAN AND CARIBBEAN REGIONAL PREPARATORY MEETING FOR THE ELEVENTH UNITED NATIONS CONGRESS ON CRIME PREVENTION AND CRIMINAL JUSTICE (SAN JOSÉ, 19-21 APRIL 2004)

Cited above

 

14/01/2004

A/CONF.203/RPM.1/L.1/REV.1

PROVISIONAL AGENDA AND PROPOSED ORGANIZATION OF WORK : ASIA AND PACIFIC REGIONAL PREPARATORY MEETING FOR THE 11TH UNITED NATIONS CONGRESS ON CRIME PREVENTION AND CRIMINAL JUSTICE : BANGKOK , 19-21 JANUARY 2004

Cited above

 

01/01/2004

S/PV.4903

Security Council, 59th year : 4903rd meeting, Monday, 26 January 2004, New York

As the Secretary-General, Kofi Annan, stressed last year during the debate on justice and the rule of law, “there cannot be real peace without justice” (S/PV.4833, p. 3). At the same time, one has to agree with his statement that “If we always and everywhere insist on uncompromising standards of justice, a delicate peace may not survive” (ibid.). The challenge is to facilitate the reintegration of offenders and at the same time bring a sense of justice to the victims, breaking the cycle of impunity and defending the rule of law without provoking a destabilizing backlash, with political stability remaining precarious.

Given this context, the concept of restorative justice has been gaining legitimacy as a middle ground between retributive justice and a blanket pardon. Restorative justice would rely on traditional arbitrators and on a high degree of public participation, flexible procedures, and social pressure as a means of enforcement and accountability. Ideally, greater emphasis should be placed on the acceptance of responsibility and on the making of amends than on the severity of the punishment meted out.

            Restorative justice addresses the need to preserve public order and to maintain a just peace. It cannot be regarded as a panacea, and it certainly does not detract from the work of the International Criminal Court and the fight against impunity, both of which are of the utmost relevance. It certainly merits the attention of the United Nations and could be made a part of future peace negotiations.

            Restorative justice is a helpful concept, as it focuses on undoing harm. In this regard, the timing of the reparations made to victims is crucial. The re-establishment of identities and a commitment to a new social relationship are also highly important elements. Groups are brought once again into the framework of political interaction, and the military is, in most cases, depoliticized.

Rj file

30/12/2003

E/CN.4/2004/12/ADD.2

Report of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights and follow-up to the World Conference on Human Rights : addendum

A.  United Nations Decade for Human Rights Education (1995-2004)

3.         The reports of the High Commissioner to the General Assembly at its fifty-seventh session (A/57/323) and to the Commission on Human Rights at its fifty-ninth session (E/CN.4/2003/100) on the Decade contain detailed information on the contribution made by OHCHR to the objectives of the Decade.  In fact, all activities undertaken in this context contribute to the promotion of and respect for the human dignity and human rights of the person, as well as to the promotion of tolerance and pluralism.

4.         OHCHR has organized the tenth and the eleventh Workshop on Regional Cooperation for the Promotion and Protection of Human Rights in the Asian and Pacific Region (Beirut, 4 to 6 March 2002, and Islamabad, 25 to 27 February 2003), which included a specific component on human rights education (E/CN.4/2002/113, annex I, and E/CN.4/2003/109) and the Subregional Workshop for Pacific Island States on Human Rights Education and the Administration of Justice (Nadi, Fiji, 25 to 27 June 2002).  At the latter workshop, the diverse richness of tradition and culture in the Pacific Island States and its importance in the effective promotion and protection of human rights were acknowledged.  Participants also recalled that the Pacific region has developed distinctive and effective practices for the promotion and protection
of human rights in the framework of community life.  In particular, the experience of Pacific States in employing traditional means of dispute settlement, including mediation and restorative justice, was a rich one and should be integrated into efforts to further promote respect for human rights within all aspects of the administration of justice.  For the report on the workshop, see http:

//www.unhchr.ch/html/menu6/nadi.htm

Report in rj file

03/12/2003

S/2003/1145 • A/58/618

Letter dated 2003/12/01 from the Permanent Representative of Austria to the United Nations addressed to the Secretary-General

III. Action recommended by States

 

 

9. States are called upon to ensure that all members of the judiciary receive comprehensive and continuing training on international and regional human rights standards and humanitarian law, including specialized gender and child rights training as well as training on the use of non-custodial and restorative justice measures. Judiciary should also be provided with specialized training to handle complex crimes and with courses on new technologies available

 

02/12/2003

A/CONF.203/RPM.1/L.1

PROVISIONAL AGENDA AND PROPOSED ORGANIZATION OF WORK : ASIA AND PACIFIC REGIONAL PREPARATORY MEETING FOR THE 11TH UNITED NATIONS CONGRESS ON CRIME PREVENTION AND CRIMINAL JUSTICE : BANGKOK , 19-21 JANUARY 2004

Cited above

 

14/11/2003

A/58/499

Crime prevention and criminal justice : report of the 3rd Committee : General Assembly, 58th session

Cited above

 

24/09/2003

A/C.3/58/L.6

Preparations for the 11th United Nations Congress on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice : note / by the Secretariat

Cited above

 

19/09/2003

A/58/382

Review of technical cooperation in the United Nations : report of the Secretary-General

United Nations Children’s Fund promoting and facilitating a restorative justice approach as an alternative to deprivation of liberty

 

17/09/2003

E/CN.7/2003/20

Consolidated budget for the biennium 2004-2005 for the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime : report of the Executive Director

Rule of law

The rule of law sector brings together the work of the Office in anti-corruption, money-laundering and criminal justice reform. The programme seeks to improve laws and structures to curb corruption and money-laundering, and to bring to justice the perpetrators of economic and violent crimes. United Nations standards and norms, best practices, toolkits, manuals and legal databases will be utilized to control and prevent crime in vulnerable developed countries, countries in transition and developing countries.

The programme will also concentrate on restoring criminal justice systems in post-conflict countries and on integrated law reform, juvenile justice, correctional services, restorative justice and victim support schemes. This will require the rehabilitation of infrastructure and the training of judiciary officials, prosecutors, police, correctional officers, defence lawyers and welfare officers. Best practices and effective alternatives will be promoted in the areas of custodial sentences, efficient management of limited resources, use of criminal justice statistics and crime reduction methods. The Office will encourage technical cooperation among countries.

3.         Programme on criminal justice reform

 

            (a)        Objectives

 

The Office assists countries in building capacities to administer criminal law and reduce crime, in accordance with international standards and best practices (see table 32 for the criminal justice reform budget for the biennium 2004-2005). This includes projects focusing on juvenile justice reform, prison reform, victim support schemes, combating domestic violence and increasing urban security. The Office also promotes alternatives to imprisonment, restorative justice schemes, community policing and neighbourhood justice models.

 

15/09/2003

A/RES/58/138

PREPARATIONS FOR THE 11TH UNITED NATIONS CONGRESS ON CRIME PREVENTION AND CRIMINAL JUSTICE : RESOLUTION / ADOPTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY

Cited above

 

15/09/2003

E/2003/INF/2/ADD.4

Resolutions and decisions adopted by the Economic and Social Council at its substantive session of 2003 (30 June-25 July 2003)

Cited above

 

02/09/2003

A/58/323

Implementation of the United Nations Millennium Declaration : report of the Secretary-General

When political breakthroughs occur, there is a need to act swiftly and surely to shore up nascent peace processes in the fragile transition from conflict. Collective action during such transition periods must be based on a clear adherence to the principles of restorative justice and civilian protection. In many cases, the United Nations assists in post-conflict peace-building in the absence of any military deployment. Through a range of efforts, often in partnership with other organizations, the United Nations provides good offices to keep peace processes on track, monitor elections, assist in the repatriation and reintegration of refugees and aid in the rehabilitation of war-torn economies. The main challenge always remains the establishment of new and durable state structures and the provision of external assistance in a way that allows local societies to move most rapidly and effectively towards a sustainable peace.

 

11/08/2003

A/58/222

Strengthening the United Nations Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice Programme, in particular its technical cooperation capacity : report of the Secretary-General

Implementation of the United Nations standards and norms in crime prevention and criminal justice - Acting on the recommendations of the Committee for Programme Coordination for a more balanced approach,[iii] the United Nations Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice Programme continued its efforts to promote the role of the United Nations standards and norms in crime prevention and criminal justice in the context of justice reform. The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime took part in several events relating to the application of United Nations standards and norms in crime prevention and criminal justice, including organizing and conducting two training courses on the United Nations crime prevention and criminal justice standards and norms in law enforcement, in cooperation with the International Committee of the Red Cross. These were held in Vienna and elsewhere in Austria in October 2002 and in June 2003.

Pursuant to section I of Economic and Social Council resolution 2002/15 of 24 July 2002, the Meeting of Experts on the Application of United Nations Standards and Norms in Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice was held in Stadtschlaining , Austria , from 10 to 12 February 2003. The Commission on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice at its twelfth session recommended the adoption by the Council of a draft resolution entitled “United Nations standards and norms in crime prevention and criminal justice”.[iv] In that draft resolution, the Council would    take note of the recommendations of the Meeting of Experts (E/CN.15/2003/10/Add.1) and would request the Secretary-General to report to the Commission on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice at its fifteenth session on progress made in the targeted collection of information on the United Nations standards and norms in crime prevention and criminal justice in the following categories, with a view to improving technical cooperation: (a) standards and norms related primarily to persons in custody, non-custodial sanctions, juvenile and restorative justice; and (b) standards and norms related primarily to legal, institutional and practical arrangements for international cooperation.

 

25/07/2003

E/ICEF/2003/P/L.18

Recommendation for approval of additional regular resources for approved country programmes

9.         The increased planning level for 2004 provides the Kyrgyzstan programme with an additional $272,000 from regular resources, for which approval is sought. The mother and child survival, development and protection programme will be allocated an additional $100,000 to cover the costs of continued research and advocacy on iodine deficiency disorders and the purchase of iron and folic acid tablets. An additional $95,000 will be allocated to the child enrichment programme to review child protection reform which has been initiated by the Government, and to start community-based integrated social services for children and their families. The young people’s well-being programme will be allocated the remaining $77,000 to support a legislative and administrative framework on juvenile justice and restorative justice, and support to the preparation of a “child-friendly” national budget and paper on reduction of child poverty.

 

16/06/2003

E/CN.4/SUB.2/2003/11

Housing and property restitution in the context of the return of refugees and internally displaced persons : preliminary report of the Special Rapporteur, Paulo Sergio Pinheiro, submitted in accordance with Sub-Commission resolution 2002/7

8.         Restitution is a particular form of reparation.  The term “restitution” refers to an equitable remedy, or a form of restorative justice, by which persons who suffer loss or injury are returned as far as possible to their original pre-loss or pre-injury position (i.e. status quo ante).  Restitution includes:  restoration of liberty, legal rights, social status, family life and citizenship; return to one’s place of residence; and restoration of employment and return of property (ibid.).

10.       Compensation is a specific form of reparation.  The term “compensation” refers to a legal remedy by which a person receives monetary payment for harm suffered.  When appropriate, compensation may be given in lieu of restitution, for example, when it is either in fact impossible or impracticable to restore the person’s property or house.  Monetary compensation should, however, be seen as a last resort, and when used as a measure of restorative justice must be adequate, fair and just.

 

10/06/2003

S/2003/636

Report of the Secretary-General on the situation in Somalia

41.       The improvement and strengthening of a formal and non-formal juvenile justice system, in conformity with international standards for child protection, has been identified as a priority by the local authorities working towards legal reform and juvenile justice in “ Somaliland ”, as well as by partner organizations working on child rights and protection. Many children are presently being detained in prison alongside adults and are sometimes victims of violence and abuse. The local authorities, in cooperation with partners, have initiated several actions to address the problem, including setting up a Law Review Committee, a Training Committee and a Juvenile Justice Forum. The Law Review Committee is examining existing legislation, identifying gaps and outlining areas that call for the drafting of new laws. The Training Committee will draft a curriculum and organize training events for law enforcement officials to build their capacity on a number of key issues, including child rights and protection. The Juvenile Justice Forum will address broader issues relating to juvenile justice, including prevention of abuse, rehabilitation and restorative justice issues.

 

06/06/2003

E/NL.2003/31-32

LAWS AND REGULATIONS PROMULGATED TO GIVE EFFECT TO THE PROVISIONS OF THE INTERNATIONAL TREATIES ON NARCOTIC DRUGS AND PSYCHOTROPIC SUBSTANCES : MEXICO / COMMUNICATED BY THE GOVERNMENT OF NETHERLANDS

Article V  If the legislative proposal submitted by Royal Message on 27 July 1998 to amend the Penal Code and the Code of Criminal Procedure and any other Acts with respect to the community service order (Parliamentary Documents II 1997/8, 26 114, no 2) becomes law, this Act shall be amended as follows:

The phrase “community service” in Article I, Article 38m first paragraph under 2° shall be replaced by: restorative justice.

 

05/06/2003

E/CN.15/2003/14 • E/2003/30(SUPP)

COMMISSION ON CRIME PREVENTION AND CRIMINAL JUSTICE : REPORT ON THE TWELFTH SESSION (13-22 MAY 2003)

Cited above and Commenting on the viability and significance of the standards and norms, it was noted that the Commission and the United Nations congresses had developed the instruments, ranging from the Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners (Economic and Social Council resolution 663 (XXIV), annex), adopted over 50 years ago, to the Declaration of Basic Principles of Justice for Victims of Crime and Abuse of Power (General Assembly resolution 40/34, annex), Basic Principles on the Independence of the Judiciary,[2] the United Nations Standard Minimum Rules for the Administration of Juvenile Justice (The Beijing Rules) (Assembly resolution 40/33, annex), the United Nations Guidelines for the Prevention of Juvenile Delinquency (The Riyadh Guidelines) (Assembly resolution 45/112, annex), the United Nations Rules for the Protection of Juveniles Deprived of their Liberty (Assembly resolution 45/113, annex), the Guidelines on the Role of Prosecutors,[3] the Basic Principles on the Role of Lawyers,[4] the safeguards guaranteeing protection of the rights of those facing the death penalty (Council resolution 1984/50, annex), the basic principles on the use of restorative justice programmes in criminal matters (Council resolution 2002/12, annex) and the Guidelines for the Prevention of Crime (Council resolution 2002/13, annex). That body of principles influenced government practices and contributed to the development of more workable crime prevention and criminal justice policies. The role of the United Nations in that field was considered indispensable, as it was the only universal organization that could provide a global perspective, also mobilizing the support of intergovernmental and non-governmental organizations. Some speakers stressed the need to use the principles as a tool to develop an effective crime prevention and criminal justice policy to respond to the increasingly transnational nature of crime, which had negative consequences for the political, social and economic stability of countries. Therefore, such standards and norms should be considered the foundation for the reform of criminal justice systems, in particular in developing viable approaches to alternatives to imprisonment, the prevention of juvenile delinquency, the protection of victims, the training of law enforcement officials, the judiciary and correctional personnel and the prevention of violence against women and their treatment by the criminal justice system.

The workshops were considered the main resource in terms of exchange of information and identification of new trends and best practices. Adequate time should be allocated to the workshops to allow for practical presentations and a focused and dynamic discussion and exchange of information on precise and well-delineated issues. The institutes of the United Nations Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice Programme network should be fully involved in the organization of the workshops, as they had the capability and the knowledge required for those events. In particular, the Commission was informed that the International Centre for Criminal Law Reform and Criminal Justice Policy would be ready to play a role in relation to the workshop dealing with restorative justice and that the International Centre for the Prevention of Crime would play a similar role in relation to the workshop on crime prevention. The involvement of the Australian Institute of Criminology in the organization of the workshops was also anticipated.

Satisfaction was expressed with the fact that the Congress would continue its past practice of holding ancillary meetings of non-governmental and professional organizations. The representative of the International Scientific and Professional Advisory Council stated in that regard that the Council would be prepared to assist the Secretariat with the coordination and organization of such meetings, given the Council’s past involvement in that regard. He recalled the experience of the Tenth Congress, where 35 ancillary meetings were held, providing an opportunity for sharing of experience and information on various matters of crime prevention and criminal justice. Similarly, the representative of the American Society of Criminology expressed support for the Congress and readiness to contribute substantively to the events, through its scholars interested in international and transnational criminal justice issues, recognizing the professional obligation to participate fully and responsibly in relevant world criminal justice forums. The representative of the Asia Crime Prevention Foundation suggested that a “partnership fair” could be held, where the private sector could pursue common interests and plan joint ventures, stressing the importance of the preparatory steps leading to the Congress, with the criminal justice community. The representative of the Academy of Criminal Justice Sciences stated that focus should be on a multi-faceted approach, not only to address crime through the police, the judiciary and correctional institutions, but also through preventive efforts in order to make major strides to prevent crime. Consequently, the Congress should pay particular attention to preventive measures and restorative justice. The Academy was ready to contribute to the deliberations at the Congress on those matters.

 

03/06/2003

E/2003/85 • A/58/89

Strengthening of the coordination of emergency humanitarian assistance of the United Nations : report of the Secretary-General

Protection of civilians

7.         The protection of civilians in armed conflict continues to be a priority issue across the United Nations system. To a large extent, humanitarian crises are in fact crises of protection. Effective implementation of the principles of protection and international human rights and humanitarian standards requires strengthened coordination on a wide range of issues, including the proliferation of small arms and landmines, disarmament, demobilization and reintegration of combatants, security, law and order, sexual exploitation of women and children in conflict, the rights and special needs of refugees and internally displaced persons and the restorative justice issues of impunity and property rights.

38.       Much of this recovery assistance is specific to post-conflict transition and needs to be carried out in a timely fashion. If the situation is not addressed promptly, the consolidation of peace can be undermined, as exemplified by the failure of previous demobilization efforts in Sierra Leone . This places added responsibility on government, donors and assistance-providers. Both time-bound activities and longer-term processes must be launched. Among the time-bound activities that are immediately needed alongside continued relief are disarmament, demobilization and reintegration programmes that offer former combatants a compelling alternative to the opportunities available in a war economy. Time-bound programmes are also needed to achieve the return, resettlement and reintegration of internally displaced persons and refugees in a sustainable fashion, the revitalization of agriculture and trade, and the restoration of basic social services, all of which will help to reduce potentially destabilizing population movements. Among the longer-term processes that are needed are programmes to monitor and address new protection issues. These types of programmes are needed to avoid creating or aggravating social tensions, particularly over issues of land access, tenure and property restitution. In addition, restorative justice is needed to foster conditions for coexistence. Above all, new and multilayered efforts at capacity-building will be needed to create effective institutions of State administration which are essential to stability and normalcy and offer avenues of recourse other than violence.

 

29/05/2003

E/2003/82 • A/58/87

Preparations for the 11th United Nations Congress on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice : report of the Secretary-General

20.       Bolivia proposed that the workshop topics should be considered in the following order of priority: (a) human rights in criminal justice; (b) restorative justice: community involvement, diversion and other alternative measures; and (c) crime prevention strategies for youth at risk.

22.       Colombia recommended the following topics for consideration by the workshops, in order of priority: (a) measures to combat economic crime: the role of the private sector; (b) combating corruption; (c) restorative justice: community involvement, diversion and other alternative measures; (d) crime prevention strategies for youth at risk; (e) links between transnational organized crime and terrorism; (f) measures to combat high-technology and computer-related crime; (g) human rights in criminal justice; (h) measures to combat money-laundering; (i) cross-border law enforcement cooperation; and (j) current practices in and ways of overcoming obstacles to extradition.

24.       Ecuador was of the opinion that the workshop topics should be discussed in the following order: (a) human rights in criminal justice; (b) links between transnational organized crime and terrorism; (c) combating corruption; (d) crime prevention strategies for youth at risk; (e) current practices in and ways of overcoming obstacles to extradition; (f) measures to combat economic crime: the role of the private sector; and (g) restorative justice: community involvement, diversion and other alternative measures.

46.       The World Muslim Congress supported full cooperation with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime in the preparations for the Eleventh Congress. It placed particular emphasis on restorative justice, as it had already included research on the evolution of restorative justice in its programme of work.

55.       The workshops were considered the main resource in terms of exchange of information and identification of new trends and best practices. Adequate time should be allocated to the workshops to allow for practical presentations and a focused and dynamic discussion and exchange of information on precise and well delineated issues. The institutes of the United Nations Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice Programme network should be fully involved in the organization of the workshops, as they had the capability and the knowledge required for those events. In particular, the Commission was informed that the International Centre for Criminal Law Reform and Criminal Justice Policy would be ready to play a role in relation to the workshop dealing with restorative justice and that the International Centre for the Prevention of Crime would play a similar role in relation to the workshop on crime prevention. The involvement and support of the Australian Institute of Criminology was also pledged in the organization of the workshops.

 

21/05/2003

E/CN.15/2003/L.17/REV1

United Nations standards and norms in crime prevention and criminal justice : revised draft resolution / Argentina, Austria, Canada, Costa Rica, Finland, Germany, Greece, Portugal, Slovakia and Uganda

41.       At the request of Member States, practical projects should be developed, in particular for victims’ support services and witness protection, prison reform and alternatives to imprisonment, juvenile justice and restorative justice.

 

21/05/2003

E/CN.15/2003/L.1/ADD.7

Draft report : Commission on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice, 12th session, Vienna , 13-22 May 2003 : addendum

Cited above

 

21/05/2003

E/CN.15/2003/L.1/ADD.5

Draft report : Commission on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice, 12th session, Vienna , 13-22 May 2003 : addendum

Cited above

 

16/05/2003

E/CN.15/2003/L.8/REV.1

Preparations for the 11th United Nations Congress on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice : revised draft resolution / Indonesia , Japan and Thailand

Cited above

 

16/05/2003

E/CN.15/2003/L.17

ARGENTINA , AUSTRIA , COSTA RICA , FINLAND , SLOVAKIA AND UGANDA : DRAFT RESOLUTION : UNITED NATIONS STANDARDS AND NORMS IN CRIME PREVENTION AND CRIMINAL JUSTICE

Cited above

 

16/05/2003

CCPR/C/BEL/2003/4

Consideration of reports submitted by States parties under article 40 of the Covenant : International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights : 4th periodic report : Belgium

The work of the Holsters Commission, established to study the courts for the enforcement of sentences, the external legal status of detainees and sentencing, which is examining the external legal status of detainees and the setting and application of sentences from the standpoint of restorative justice designed to re-establish the relationship between the offender, the victim and society;

2.1.2    Appointment of consultants to prison establishments to help the authorities develop a
            model of restorative justice in the prison environment:  ministerial circular No. 1719         of 4 October 2000, on development of the concept of restorative justice[v] in the prison             environment 

            The Ministry of Justice is anxious to move away from a model of justice that is basically punitive and where the State represents the interests of both parties, towards a model in which the parties concerned in an offence can exchange views on how best to redress the wrong caused; in October 2000, therefore, it appointed restorative justice consultants to every prison establishment in the country.

            Their mission is essentially a structural one, and consists in helping local prison authorities to gear detention towards restoration.  The concept of restoration has various aspects.  It refers not only to symbolic and material reparation to the victim but also to the restoration of social ties and the limitation of the damage caused by incarceration.  The restorative justice consultants are expected to encourage prison establishments to build a structure that will make it possible to achieve these objectives.

            This involves, among other things:

            (a)        Reworking the prison structure in order to limit the damage caused by imprisonment, with a view to facilitating prisoners reintegration - an essential component of the model; and to accord greater importance to reparation to the victim by, for example, improving the attention and information given to prisoners and the reception given to victims at parole board hearings;

            (b)        Giving prisoners an opportunity to take the initiative in making reparation
to victims (not necessarily their own) and to society.  Prisoners are encouraged to step out of their passive role in resolving the conflict and to adopt a more active one during their time in prison;

            (c)        Making efforts to reduce the risk of secondary victimization by paying close attention to victims’ rights, needs and expectations with regard to the execution of their sentences;

            (d)        Offering victims and imprisoned offenders the opportunity to make contact, directly and/or indirectly, in order to discuss the offence and its aftermath, by providing facilities for mediation between perpetrators and victims.

 

14/05/2003

E/CN.15/2003/L.10

Promoting and strengthening assistance to victims of trafficking, especially women and children : draft resolution / Germany , Greece , Italy , Netherlands and Sweden

Recalling the Vienna Declaration on Crime and Justice: Meeting the Challenges of the Twenty-first Century,[5] and especially paragraphs 25 and 27 thereof, which refer to support of victims of crime, including mechanisms for mediation and restorative justice, upholding victims’ rights, witness protection and establishment of funds for victims, and the plans of action for implementation of the Vienna Declaration,[6]

 

14/04/2003

E/C.2/2003/2/ADD.7

QUADRENNIAL REPORTS, 1997-2000, SUBMITTED THROUGH THE SECRETARY-GENERAL PURSUANT TO ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL COUNCIL RESOLUTION 1996/31 : NOTE : ADDENDUM / BY THE SECRETARY-GENERAL

International Society of Social Defence

 

 

                        (Special consultative status granted in 1953)

 

 

                        Activities over the years 1997-2000The year 2000 was marked by the tenth United Nations Congress on the Prevention of Crime and the Treatment of Offenders ( Vienna , 10-17 April). The Society took part in the Congress and presented its scientific contribution at an ancillary meeting on the theme “Actual experiences in the field of mediation and restorative justice: difficulties encountered, implementation prospects” ( Vienna , 12 April). The speakers of the four organizations suggested a considered approach to experiences that have been considered by each association in its particular way as meaningful for mediation and restorative policies.

 

10/04/2003

E/CN.15/2003/11/ADD.1

Preparations for the 11th United Nations Congress on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice : report of the Secretary-General : addendum

Madagascar also supported, in order of importance, the following issues included in General Assembly resolution 57/171 for consideration by workshops, namely (a) cross-border law enforcement cooperation; (b) human rights in criminal justice; (c) restorative justice: community involvement, diversion and other alternative measures; and (d) crime prevention strategies for youth at risk.

 

24/03/2003

E/CN.15/2003/2

Work of the Centre for International Crime Prevention : report of the Executive Director

Implementation of the Vienna Declaration on Crime and Justice: Meeting the Challenges of the Twenty-first Century      In its resolution 56/261, the General Assembly took note with appreciation of the plan of action for the implementation of the Vienna Declaration on Crime and Justice: Meeting the Challenges of the Twenty-first Century, annexed to the resolution, and invited Governments to use the plans of action as appropriate. By a note verbale dated 26 September 2002, the Secretariat sought information from Member States on steps being taken to implement the plans of action. As at 28 February 2003, responses had been received from Austria , Colombia , Croatia , Denmark , Finland , Greece , Morocco , Qatar , Slovakia , Sweden , Turkey , Ukraine and Venezuela . A number of States indicated that they were being guided by the plans of action in their development of policies and programmes at the national level. Some sent new legislation to the Secretariat and described innovative programmes. Of particular interest in the area of crime prevention and criminal justice reform are the casas de justicia (legal centres) in Colombia; a restorative justice programme in Croatia; special “youth sanctions” introduced in Denmark; mediation and conflict- resolution mechanisms introduced throughout Finland; community work programmes in Greece; a probation and mediation agency in Slovakia; an electronic monitoring project in Sweden; a penal reform programme in Turkey; and the new criminal code in Ukraine.             (d)Ensuring effective policy interventions in the area of criminal justice reform, most notably as regards juvenile justice, victim support, prison administration, violence against women, restorative justice and prevention of social crime, pursuant to the plans of action for the implementation of the Vienna Declaration (General Assembly resolution 55/261, annex);

During the eleventh session of the Commission on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice, in 2002, a workshop on criminal justice reform: lessons learned, community involvement and restorative justice was organized by the institutes of the United Nations Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice Programme network, coordinated by the United Nations Interregional Crime and Justice Research Institute.

 

17/03/2003

CRC/C/51/ADD.8

Committee on the rights of the child  Singapore

The protection against retrospective criminal laws is found in article 11 of the Constitution and applies to all accused persons regardless of age.  The Penal Code, Evidence Act and Children and Young Persons Act (C&YP Act) contain provisions relating to criminal laws and procedure applicable to trials of children and young persons.  The entire thrust of the C&YP Act is to set in place a separate system for the juvenile offender and to shield the juvenile from the harsher regime for older offenders who are prosecuted in our courts.  The juvenile justice system places emphasis on restorative justice, rehabilitation and reintegration of the child into the family and society.  Treatment focuses on the best interest of the child and institutionalization is considered as a last resort.  Juveniles below 16 years of age are not committed to prisons for adults but institutions specially set up for the reception and treatment of juvenile offenders.  Such institutions come under the purview of the Ministry of Community Development and Sports.  Only under special circumstances are juveniles aged 14 years and above committed to institutions administered by the Prisons Department.  This applies to situations when the offence is of a very serious nature and the behaviour or character of the juvenile is so depraved that the juvenile is deemed unsuitable for treatment in a juvenile institution, i.e. where the juvenile would pose a danger to other juveniles or be disruptive to the rehabilitation of other juveniles.

 

12/03/2003

E/CN.15/2003/10

STANDARDS AND NORMS IN CRIME PREVENTION AND CRIMINAL JUSTICE : REPORT OF THE SECRETARY-GENERAL

The present report has been prepared in response to the following Economic and Social Council resolutions, each of which was adopted on 24 July 2002: resolution 2002/12, entitled “Basic principles on the use of restorative justice programmes in criminal matters”; resolution 2002/13, entitled “Action to promote effective crime prevention”; resolution 2002/14, entitled “Promoting effective measures to deal with the issues of missing children and sexual abuse or exploitation of children”; and resolution 2002/15, entitled “United Nations standards and norms in crime prevention and criminal justice”.

The United States emphasized that the initiatives and policy concerning the administration of juvenile justice were developed and implemented in each single state and territory of the United States . The role of the United States Government was to provide leadership and encouragement, to design pilot programmes, to offer technical and grant-based financial assistance addressing specific aspects of juvenile justice, and to evaluate the effectiveness of that assistance. During fiscal year 2000, US$ 76,540,000 had been made available for projects on separating adult and juvenile offenders in secure institutions, eliminating the practice of detaining or confining juveniles in adult jails and lockups, addressing the disproportionate confinement of minority juveniles in secure juvenile justice system facilities, jails and lockups where such overrepresentation existed and deinstutionalizing status offenders and non-offenders. Among several important projects, a special project entitled “Balanced Restorative Justice” was designed to promote increased use of restitution, community service, victim-offender mediation and other innovative programmes to hold juvenile offenders accountable and protect the community while, at the same time, developing the competency of juveniles. Another project, entitled “Juvenile Accountability Incentive Block Grants”, supported the construction, expansion, renovation and operation of juvenile correction facilities, developing and administering accountability-based sanctions for juvenile offenders, hiring additional prosecutors and juvenile judges. The same project supported the establishment of juvenile gun or drug courts to deal with those categories of delinquents or offenders (also recidivists).

Restorative justice

Two countries ( Croatia and Oman ) and one intergovernmental organization (the Council of Europe) sent replies on restorative justice.

Croatia reported that it had initiated the procedure for adopting an act on the protection of witnesses and victims of crimes, providing for activities such as reciprocal assistance, exchange of information and providing technical assistance to other countries with a view to the development of restorative justice programmes.

Oman reported that it had been making every effort to establish restorative justice, with a view to reducing conventional procedures and spreading social harmony and unity. It noted that Shariah jurists and legal experts had long deduced conciliation on the basis of the Koran and the Sunnah. Omani legislation made litigation involving personal honour and relating to personal interests or involving family relationships contingent upon a complaint by the injured party. An injured party’s renunciation of his or her rights at any stage of an action would halt that action. In some cases, the penalty was stayed even if sentence had been passed. In certain cases, the judgement had been a stay of execution of the sentence if the offender satisfied the civil rights (e.g. compensation). Plans were being made to have a mandatory conciliation procedure, without obliging or putting any pressure on the litigants, as suggested by United Nations standards and norms.

The Council of Europe drew attention to Recommendation No. R (99) 19, concerning mediation in criminal matters, adopted by the Committee of Ministers on 15 September 1999.

 

11/03/2003

A/57/49[VOL.I](SUPP)

RESOLUTIONS AND DECISIONS ADOPTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY DURING ITS 57TH SESSION. VOLUME 1, RESOLUTIONS, 10 SEPTEMBER-20 DECEMBER 2002

Unavailable in Document file

 

10/03/2003

E/CN.15/2003/10/ADD.1

STANDARDS AND NORMS IN CRIME PREVENTION AND CRIMINAL JUSTICE : REPORT OF THE SECRETARY-GENERAL : ADDENDUM

Otto Bönke, “Criminal policy in the process of reform: review of juvenile and restorative justice as examples of the applications of United Nations and European standards and norms in Germany

The Meeting was informed that the Secretariat was already cooperating with the European Institute for Crime Prevention and Control, affiliated with the United Nations, in the drafting of a new survey instrument, to be considered by the Commission, for gathering information on one priority item: juvenile justice and prison reform, including alternatives to imprisonment and restorative justice.

 

06/03/2003

E/CN.15/2003/4

Activities of the institutes comprising the United Nations Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice Programme network : report of the Secretary-General

Joint work by the United Nations Office for Drugs and Crime (formerly called the Office for Drug Control and Crime Prevention) and the United Nations Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice Programme network, within the framework of existing mandates, is important in the pursuit of the global agenda in crime prevention and criminal justice. Two examples of successful cooperation between the Centre for International Crime Prevention of the United Nations Office for Drugs and Crime and the institutes were the workshops organized at the tenth and eleventh sessions of the Commission on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice, “World prison populations: facts, trends and solutions”, on 10 May 2001, and “Community involvement and restorative justice”, on 17 April 2002. The Director of the Centre attended the coordination meetings of the network in Helsinki in 2001 and in Courmayeur and Turin , Italy , in 2002. Bilaterally, the Centre cooperated with several members of the network, most notably with the United Nations Interregional Crime and Justice Research Institute (UNICRI) in the framework of the global programmes against transnational organized crime, trafficking in persons and corruption. The Centre was also invited and attended the board meetings of UNICRI, the European Institute for Crime Prevention and Control, affiliated with the United Nations, and the Latin American Institute for the Prevention of Crime and the Treatment of Offenders, as well as the symposium for the fortieth anniversary celebration of the Asia and Far East Institute for the Prevention of Crime and the Treatment of Offenders.

(b)        Criminal justice policy development: restorative justice

            (i)         ICCLR, with partners including the Government of Canada and the Centre for International Crime Prevention, is actively supporting efforts to respond to Economic and Social Council resolution 2000/14 of 27 July 2000 on basic principles on the use of restorative justice programmes in criminal matters. ICCLR participated in the discussion, which resulted in the revised preliminary draft elements of a declaration of basic principles on the use of restorative justice programmes in criminal matters. The draft principles were presented to the Commission on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice at its eleventh session, in 2002;

(ii)        In Canada, ICCLR collaborated with the Canadian Criminal Justice Association, the Centre for Restorative Justice at Simon Fraser University and others to organize a national restorative justice working conference, held in Hull, Quebec, in October 2002;

            (e)        During the reporting period, AIC established a learning and knowledge development group, which organized two training courses on identity fraud and money-laundering. Courses on crime prevention and restorative justice are planned for 2003;

 

04/03/2003

E/CN.15/2003/1

PROVISIONAL AGENDA, ANNOTATIONS AND PROPOSED ORGANIZATION OF WORK

Cited above

 

04/03/2003

E/CN.15/2003/11

PREPARATIONS FOR THE 11TH UNITED NATIONS CONGRESS ON CRIME PREVENTION AND CRIMINAL JUSTICE : REPORT OF THE SECRETARY-GENERAL

Cited above

 

27/02/2003

E/CN.4/2003/75/ADD.1

Report of the Special Rapporteur on Violence against Women, Its Causes and Consequences, Radhika Coomaraswamy, submitted in accordance with Commission on Human Rights resolution 2002/52 : addendum 1

There is growing recognition of the central importance of combating impunity in order to achieve a sustainable peace in Sierra Leone .[vi] The Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) and the Special Court have been established to achieve some form of national reconciliation. The Statue of the Special Court establishes jurisdiction over serious violations of Art.3, common to the Geneva Conventions, including “outrages upon personal dignity, in particular humiliating and degrading treatment, rape, enforced prostitution and any form of indecent assault.” It also makes provision for the application of gender sensitive justice, including victim and witness protection measures, as well as achieving fair representation of female and male judges. According to local NGOs, women and girls are prepared to testify before the TRC and Special Court . Standards related to restorative justice such as reparations, witness protection, and other areas set by these two bodies could serve as a model for how prosecution of gender based violence can be carried out in the domestic system. There remains a need to strengthen the judiciary in Sierra Leone to more competently take on sexual violence cases.

 

21/01/2003

A/RES/57/171

Preparations for the 11th United Nations Congress on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice : resolution / adopted by the General Assembly

Cited above

 

01/01/2003

A/57/6/REV.1(SUPP)

Medium-term plan for the period 2002-2005 as revised by the General Assembly at its 57th session

Promoting the rule of law, fair and efficient criminal justice systems, effective crime prevention, prison reform and the independence of judicial and prosecutorial authorities, as well as juvenile justice systems and restorative justice approaches, in particular to assist Governments in protecting vulnerable adolescent groups from being recruited by organized criminals;

1999/26 Development and implementation of mediation and restorative justice measures in criminal justice

2000/14 Basic principles on the use of restorative justice programmes in criminal matters

 

01/01/2003

A/57/3/REV.1(SUPP)

Report of the Economic and Social Council for 2002

Basic principles on the use of restorative justice programmes in criminal matters

189.     At its 37th meeting, on 24 July, the Council adopted draft resolution I recommended by the Commission,39 entitled “Basic principles on the use of restorative justice programmes in criminal matters”. See Council resolution 2002/12.

 

01/01/2003

S/PV.4877

Security Council, 58th year : 4877th meeting, Tuesday, 9 December 2003, New York

Mr. Lucas (Angola) The safety and security of humanitarian-associated personnel; how to deal with the effects of conflict on women and children; the provision of security, law and order in post-conflict situations; the disarmament, demobilization, reintegration and rehabilitation of former combatants, especially children; mine action as a means to reinforce confidence and to allow civilians to rebuild their shattered lives; justice and reconciliation, seen in the perspective of criminal and restorative justice and healing the wounds of the past; the training of security and peacekeeping forces in the highest standards of respect for human rights; and the issue of natural resources, armed conflict and measures to break the fatal link between them are critical issues enunciated in the aide-memoire and the road map. They constitute a fundamental checklist that States, the United Nations system and the rest of the international community should apply in dealing with the sensitive issue of the protection of civilians in armed conflict.

 

11/12/2002

CRC/C/121

Report on the 31st session, Geneva , 16 September-4 October 2002 : Committee on the Rights of the Child

The Committee welcomes the State party’s initiatives to introduce restorative justice and other constructive community-based disposals for juvenile offenders, the almost complete inclusion of 17-year-olds in the juvenile justice system and the creation of multidisciplinary teams to respond to child offenders’ behaviour, but notes with serious concern that the situation of children in conflict with the law has worsened since the consideration of the initial report.  The Committee is particularly concerned that the age at which children enter the criminal justice system is low with the age of criminal responsibility still set at 8 years in Scotland and at 10 years in the rest of the State party and the abolition of the principle of doli incapax.  The Committee welcomes the different approach reflected in the Children’s Hearings in Scotland and the debate on including young people of 16 to 18 years of age in the Children’s Hearings.  The Committee is particularly concerned that since the State party’s initial report, children between 12 and 14 years of age are now being deprived of their liberty.  More generally, the Committee is deeply concerned at the increasing number of children who are being detained in custody at earlier ages for lesser offences and for longer sentences imposed as a result of the recently increased court powers to issue detention and restraining orders.  The Committee is therefore concerned that deprivation of liberty is not being used only as a measure of last resort and for the shortest appropriate period of time, in violation of article 37 (b) of the Convention.  The Committee is also extremely concerned at the conditions that children experience in detention and that children do not receive adequate protection or help in young offenders’ institutions (for 15- to 17-year-olds), noting the very poor staff-child ratio, high levels of violence, bullying, self-harm and suicide, the inadequate rehabilitation opportunities, the solitary confinement in inappropriate conditions for a long time as a disciplinary measure or for protection, and the fact that girls and some boys in prisons are still not separated from adults.

 

26/11/2002

S/2002/1300

Report of the Secretary-General to the Security Council on the protection of civilians in armed conflict

It is important to draw a distinction between punitive and restorative justice. The work of the various international tribunals, as well as national courts, falls into the former category. Restorative justice, which can be seen as including the return of refugees and displaced persons to their former places of residence in safety and dignity, coupled with the full restoration of national protection, is equally important to the transition to peace and recovery. The right to return, applicable to all citizens and former habitual residents, as well as the restitution of property, housing and land, are of key importance. Indeed, the resolution of property and housing issues before and subsequent to return is often vital to political stability, economic security, the protection of human rights and the establishment and strengthening of the rule of law.

 

15/11/2002

E/C.12/2002/SR.30

Summary record of the 30th meeting, held at the Palais Wilson, Geneva , on Tuesday, 12 November 2002 : Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, 29th session

Ms. SENČÁKOVÁ ( Slovakia ) said that it was difficult to provide specific information about individuals who had invoked the Covenant before the courts, given that the Covenant had been incorporated into domestic law.  As to the issue of compensation, she said that, while no specific laws existed to provide compensation for violations of the Covenant, third-party liability legislation had been introduced that could be invoked if a court of law or any other public authority acted unlawfully and recent legislative amendments meant that victims of violent crime were provided with greater compensation.  It was hoped that the Government would be able in future to introduce a system of restorative justice to ensure that victims could settle cases involving minor offences.

 

21/10/2002

A/57/547

Crime prevention and criminal justice : report of the 3rd Committee : General Assembly, 57th session

Cited above

 

09/10/2002

CRC/C/15/ADD.188

Consideration of reports submitted by States parties under article 44 of the Convention : Convention on the Rights of the Child : concluding observations : United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland

Cited above

 

01/10/2002

A/57/3(PARTII)

Report of the Economic and Social Council for 2002

 

Basic principles on the use of restorative justice programmes in criminal matters

160.     At its 37th meeting, on 24 July, the Council adopted draft resolution I recommended by the Commission,38 entitled “Basic principles on the use of restorative justice programmes in criminal matters”. See Council resolution 2002/12.

 

24/09/2002

A/C.3/57/L.5

Preparations for the 11th United Nations Congress on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice : note / by the Secretariat

Cited above

 

10/09/2002

A/57/36(SUPP)

Report of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights

Cited above

 

30/08/2002

A/57/135

United Nations African Institute for the Prevention of Crime and the Treatment of Offenders : report of the Secretary-General

25.       The representative of the Institute attended the eleventh session of the Commission on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice and participated in the workshop organized by the United Nations Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice Programme Network during the session on the theme “Criminal justice reform, lesson learned, community involvement and restorative justice”. The representative presented a paper entitled “The Involvement of Local Communities in Crime Prevention: the Case of African Countries”.

 

20/08/2002

CERD/C/SR.1539

Summary record of the 1539th meeting, held at the Palais des Nations, Geneva , on Thursday, 15 August 2002 : Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, 61st session

Mr. PAKI ( New Zealand ) said that the two chief justices of the Maori Land Court were themselves Maori.  Of the other judges in the court, two were Maori and two were non-Maori.  All the judges of the Maori Land Court were obliged to be thoroughly conversant with Maori language, customary values and practices, and issues arising from the Treaty of Waitangi.  The Committee had asked whether New Zealand law was infused with any elements of customary law.  Certain traditional Maori values, standards, principles and norms could indeed be found in statutory law, for example the Resource Management Act, which took account of the concept of kaitiakitanga or exercise of guardianship over natural and physical resources.  Persons who exercised discretionary powers under the Act were required to recognize and make allowances for the relationship of Maori with their ancestral lands, water and sites, including sacred sites. 

In the area of criminal justice, increasing interest had been shown in the concept of restorative justice, whereby persons involved in or connected with an offence decided how to deal with its aftermath and the implications for the future.  The New Zealand courts had developed a number of requirements for the recognition of customary law on a par with foreign law, for example the use of appropriately qualified experts.  In general, the courts were moving away from the idea that the legal process must necessarily comply with formal court procedures.

On socio-economic disparities, he said the delegation had showed cautious optimism, highlighting the importance of partnership between the Maori and the Government.  He had welcomed the sensitive response to the Tokelau case and had taken note of the comments on Niue and the Cook Islands .  It would be interesting to learn more about the concept of restorative justice in relation to the Maori population and about the emergence of a common jurisprudence, which, in intercultural terms, would be of great significance.  He praised New Zealand for its achievements in blending its peoples with respect for their traditions and for reflecting history while showing sensitivity towards new questions as they arose.

 

15/08/2002

E/CN.4/SUB.2/2002/7

Report of the sessional Working Group on the Administration of Justice

TRANSITIONAL JUSTICE:  MECHANISMS OF TRUTH AND RECONCILIATION

40.       Ms. Motoc reported that, recently, as a follow-up to international conflicts, several mechanisms of transitional justice had been established, including 9 truth and reconciliation commissions and 24 national commissions.  Additionally, 22 States had decided to have their domestic jurisdictions address those issues.  Another example of transitional justice mechanisms could be found in countries that had emerged from totalitarian regimes, such as those of Eastern Europe .  

41.       The work of all the truth and reconciliation commissions had certain characteristics in common.  Commissions must consider the past and incidents that had occurred during a specific time period.  They must publicize the collected information.  Commissions had flexible procedures but sometimes lacked the ability to provide protection for witnesses.  Their success often depended upon the political will of national authorities.  Some commissions offered an assurance of amnesty, others did not.  Results achieved by the commissions differed from country to country.   It was sometimes believed that a single mechanism was not enough and, for some countries, a concurrent truth commission or international court was established.  National commissions and courts might also provide justice. 

42.       In the 1990s, experts studied the problem of impunity in Eastern Europe and decided that because of the long duration of the totalitarian regimes and the large number of people involved, it would be counterproductive and costly to establish truth and reconciliation commissions.  As a partial remedy, some countries established commissions that addressed problems that people had with the secret police.  In some instances, the public was provided with access to the secret police files.  The question for Eastern European countries remained how to balance the human rights violations committed and the consequences of those actions.

43.       In answer to a question from Ms. Rakotoarisoa, Ms. Motoc explained that the truth and reconciliation commissions were national, consisted of national and international experts and personalities, and had a seat in a given country.  One model of restorative justice was often not enough in any given situation and there had been recommendations that, in addition to national commissions, an international tribunal would be established with the same purpose but with other methods of achieving justice.

 

13/08/2002

E/2002/INF/2/ADD.2

Resolutions and decisions adopted by the Economic and Social Council at its substantive session of 2002 (1-26 July 2002)

2002/12
Basic principles on the use of restorative justice programmes in criminal matters

The Economic and Social Council,

            Recalling its resolution 1999/26 of 28 July 1999, entitled “Development and implementation of mediation and restorative justice measures in criminal justice”, in which the Council requested the Commission on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice to consider the desirability of formulating United Nations standards in the field of mediation and restorative justice,

            Recalling also its resolution 2000/14 of 27 July 2000, entitled “Basic principles on the use of restorative justice programmes in criminal matters”, in which it requested the Secretary-General to seek comments from Member States and relevant intergovernmental and non-governmental organizations, as well as institutes of the United Nations Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice Programme network, on the desirability and the means of establishing common principles on the use of restorative justice programmes in criminal matters, including the advisability of developing a new instrument for that purpose,

            Taking into account the existing international commitments with respect to victims, in particular the Declaration of Basic Principles of Justice for Victims of Crime and Abuse of Power,[7]

            Noting the discussions on restorative justice during the Tenth United Nations Congress on the Prevention of Crime and the Treatment of Offenders, under the agenda item entitled “Offenders and victims: accountability and fairness in the justice process”,[8]

            Taking note of General Assembly resolution 56/261 of 31 January 2002, entitled “Plans of action for the implementation of the Vienna Declaration on Crime and Justice: Meeting the Challenges of the Twenty-first Century”, in particular the action on restorative justice in order to follow up the commitments undertaken in paragraph 28 of the Vienna Declaration,[9]

            Noting with appreciation the work of the Group of Experts on Restorative Justice at their meeting held in Ottawa from 29 October to 1 November 2001,

            Taking note of the report of the Secretary-General on restorative justice[10] and the report of the Group of Experts on Restorative Justice,[11]

            1.         Takes note of the basic principles on the use of restorative justice programmes in criminal matters annexed to the present resolution;

            2.         Encourages Member States to draw on the basic principles on the use of restorative justice programmes in criminal matters in the development and operation of restorative justice programmes;

            3.         Requests the Secretary-General to ensure the widest possible dissemination of the basic principles on the use of restorative justice programmes in criminal matters among Member States, the institutes of the United Nations Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice Programme network and other international, regional and non-governmental organizations;

            4.         Calls upon Member States that have adopted restorative justice practices to make information about those practices available to other States upon request;

            5.         Also calls upon Member States to assist one another in the development and implementation of research, training or other programmes, as well as activities to stimulate discussion and the exchange of experience on restorative justice;

            6.         Further calls upon Member States to consider, through voluntary contributions, the provision of technical assistance to developing countries and


countries with economies in transition, on request, to assist them in the development of restorative justice programmes.

 

37th plenary meeting
24 July 2002

 

 

                        Annex

 

 

                        Basic principles on the use of restorative justice programmes in
criminal matters

 

 

                        Preamble

 

            Recalling that there has been, worldwide, a significant growth of restorative justice initiatives,

            Recognizing that those initiatives often draw upon traditional and indigenous forms of justice which view crime as fundamentally harmful to people,

            Emphasizing that restorative justice is an evolving response to crime that respects the dignity and equality of each person, builds understanding, and promotes social harmony through the healing of victims, offenders and communities,

            Stressing that this approach enables those affected by crime to share openly their feelings and experiences, and aims at addressing their needs,

            Aware that this approach provides an opportunity for victims to obtain reparation, feel safer and seek closure; allows offenders to gain insight into the causes and effects of their behaviour and to take responsibility in a meaningful way; and enables communities to understand the underlying causes of crime, to promote community well-being and to prevent crime,

            Noting that restorative justice gives rise to a range of measures that are flexible in their adaptation to established criminal justice systems and that complement those systems, taking into account legal, social and cultural circumstances,

            Recognizing that the use of restorative justice does not prejudice the right of States to prosecute alleged offenders,

 

                        I.          Use of terms

 

1.         “Restorative justice programme” means any programme that uses restorative processes and seeks to achieve restorative outcomes.

2.         “Restorative process” means any process in which the victim and the offender, and, where appropriate, any other individuals or community members affected by a crime, participate together actively in the resolution of matters arising from the crime, generally with the help of a facilitator. Restorative processes may include mediation, conciliation, conferencing and sentencing circles.

3.         “Restorative outcome” means an agreement reached as a result of a restorative process. Restorative outcomes include responses and programmes such as reparation, restitution and community service, aimed at meeting the individual and collective needs and responsibilities of the parties and achieving the reintegration of the victim and the offender.

4.         “Parties” means the victim, the offender and any other individuals or community members affected by a crime who may be involved in a restorative process.

5.         “Facilitator” means a person whose role is to facilitate, in a fair and impartial manner, the participation of the parties in a restorative process.

 

                        II.          Use of restorative justice programmes

 

6.         Restorative justice programmes may be used at any stage of the criminal justice system, subject to national law.

7.         Restorative processes should be used only where there is sufficient evidence to charge the offender and with the free and voluntary consent of the victim and the offender. The victim and the offender should be able to withdraw such consent at any time during the process. Agreements should be arrived at voluntarily and should contain only reasonable and proportionate obligations.

8.         The victim and the offender should normally agree on the basic facts of a case as the basis for their participation in a restorative process. Participation of the offender shall not be used as evidence of admission of guilt in subsequent legal proceedings.

9.         Disparities leading to power imbalances, as well as cultural differences among the parties, should be taken into consideration in referring a case to, and in conducting, a restorative process.

10.       The safety of the parties shall be considered in referring any case to, and in conducting, a restorative process.

11.       Where restorative processes are not suitable or possible, the case should be referred to the criminal justice authorities and a decision should be taken as to how to proceed without delay. In such cases, criminal justice officials should endeavour to encourage the offender to take responsibility vis-à-vis the victim and affected communities, and support the reintegration of the victim and the offender into the community.

 

                        III.         Operation of restorative justice programmes

 

12.       Member States should consider establishing guidelines and standards, with legislative authority when necessary, that govern the use of restorative justice programmes. Such guidelines and standards should respect the basic principles set forth in the present instrument and should address, inter alia:

            (a)        The conditions for the referral of cases to restorative justice programmes;

            (b)        The handling of cases following a restorative process;

            (c)        The qualifications, training and assessment of facilitators;

            (d)        The administration of restorative justice programmes;

            (e)        Standards of competence and rules of conduct governing the operation of restorative justice programmes.

13.       Fundamental procedural safeguards guaranteeing fairness to the offender and the victim should be applied to restorative justice programmes and in particular to restorative processes:

            (a)        Subject to national law, the victim and the offender should have the right to consult with legal counsel concerning the restorative process and, where necessary, to translation and/or interpretation. Minors should, in addition, have the right to the assistance of a parent or guardian;

            (b)        Before agreeing to participate in restorative processes, the parties should be fully informed of their rights, the nature of the process and the possible consequences of their decision;

            (c)        Neither the victim nor the offender should be coerced, or induced by unfair means, to participate in restorative processes or to accept restorative outcomes.

14.       Discussions in restorative processes that are not conducted in public should be confidential, and should not be disclosed subsequently, except with the agreement of the parties or as required by national law.

15.       The results of agreements arising out of restorative justice programmes should, where appropriate, be judicially supervised or incorporated into judicial decisions or judgements. Where that occurs, the outcome should have the same status as any other judicial decision or judgement and should preclude prosecution in respect of the same facts.

16.       Where no agreement is reached among the parties, the case should be referred back to the established criminal justice process and a decision as to how to proceed should be taken without delay. Failure to reach an agreement alone shall not be used in subsequent criminal justice proceedings.

17.       Failure to implement an agreement made in the course of a restorative process should be referred back to the restorative programme or, where required by national law, to the established criminal justice process and a decision as to how to proceed should be taken without delay. Failure to implement an agreement, other than a judicial decision or judgement, should not be used as justification for a more severe sentence in subsequent criminal justice proceedings.

18.       Facilitators should perform their duties in an impartial manner, with due respect to the dignity of the parties. In that capacity, facilitators should ensure that the parties act with respect towards each other and enable the parties to find a relevant solution among themselves.

19.       Facilitators shall possess a good understanding of local cultures and communities and, where appropriate, receive initial training before taking up facilitation duties.

 

                        IV.        Continuing development of restorative justice programmes

 

20.       Member States should consider the formulation of national strategies and policies aimed at the development of restorative justice and at the promotion of a culture favourable to the use of restorative justice among law enforcement, judicial and social authorities, as well as local communities.

21.       There should be regular consultation between criminal justice authorities and administrators of restorative justice programmes to develop a common understanding and enhance the effectiveness of restorative processes and outcomes, to increase the extent to which restorative programmes are used, and to explore ways in which restorative approaches might be incorporated into criminal justice practices.

22.       Member States, in cooperation with civil society where appropriate, should promote research on and evaluation of restorative justice programmes to assess the extent to which they result in restorative outcomes, serve as a complement or alternative to the criminal justice process and provide positive outcomes for all parties. Restorative justice processes may need to undergo change in concrete form over time. Member States should therefore encourage regular evaluation and modification of such programmes. The results of research and evaluation should guide further policy and programme development.

 

                        V.         Saving clause

 

23.       Nothing in these basic principles shall affect any rights of an offender or a victim which are established in national law or applicable international law.

 

24/07/2002

E/2002/SR.37

PROVISIONAL SUMMARY RECORD OF THE 37TH MEETING, HELD AT HEADQUARTERS, NEW YORK , ON WEDNESDAY, 24 JULY 2002 : ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL COUNCIL, SUBSTANTIVE SESSION OF 2002, GENERAL SEGMENT

The President invited the Council to take action on draft resolution I, entitled “Basic principles on the use of restorative justice programmes in criminal matters”, draft resolution II, entitled “Action to promote effective crime prevention”, draft resolution III, entitled “Promoting effective measures to deal with the issues of missing children and sexual abuse or exploitation of children”, draft resolution IV, entitled “United Nations standards and norms in crime prevention and criminal justice”, draft resolution V, entitled “International cooperation in the prevention, combating and elimination of kidnapping and in providing assistance for the victims”, draft resolution VI, entitled “International cooperation, technical assistance and advisory services in crime prevention and criminal justice”, draft resolution VII, entitled “Illicit trafficking in protected species of wild flora and fauna” and draft resolution VIII, entitled “Strengthening international cooperation and technical assistance within the framework of the activities of the Centre for International Crime Prevention in preventing and combating terrorism”, contained in section B, which had been recommended for adoption by the Council.

 

17/07/2002

E/ICEF/2002/P/L.33

Recommendation for funding for short-duration country programmes : Russian Federation , Belarus and Ukraine

38.       Child protection. UNICEF will promote the development of policy as well as the standards and legal and regulatory frameworks needed to ensure the right of children to be protected from neglect, abuse and exploitation. Public awareness campaigns will help to build understanding of the rights of children and promote positive attitudes towards them. Children from especially high-risk groups (those in state care, street children, victims of abuse and disabled children) will be the focus of UNICEF-supported efforts to develop alternative non-institutional forms of care and services to meet their needs. UNICEF will assist efforts to put in place a system to address the issue of children in conflict with the law. The system will be based on the principles of the Convention on the Rights of the Child, providing alternatives to deprivation of liberty, restorative justice and the reintegration of young offenders.

 

 

16/07/2002

A/RES/S-27/2

A world fit for children : resolution / adopted by the General Assembly

Promote the establishment of prevention, support and caring services as well as justice systems specifically applicable to children, taking into account the principles of restorative justice and fully safeguard children’s rights and provide specially trained staff to promote children’s reintegration in society.

 

08/07/2002

A/57/153

Strengthening the United Nations Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice Programme, in particular its technical cooperation capacity : report of the Secretary-General

Cited above

 

02/07/2002

A/57/154

Preparations for the 11th Congress on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice : report of the Secretary-General

17.       Traditional crime prevention and criminal justice issues also figured prominently in a number of responses, which are summarized as follows: efficient administration and reform of criminal justice systems; 50 years of standard-setting in criminal justice: review process; indigenous people’s justice systems; the role of women as offenders, victims and decision makers in criminal justice; crime prevention and public awareness: enhancing public security, ethics, values and family ties; crime prevention and reduction of poverty; alternatives to incarceration and prison overcrowding; juvenile delinquency and alternative youth sanctions; restorative justice; use of technology in crime prevention and the supervision of offenders; towards universal standards in criminal law and their application in different cultures; modalities for effective law enforcement cooperation; and the promotion of close collaboration between security forces and the judicial police.

 

 

12/06/2002

E/CN.4/SUB.2/2002/17

The return of refugees' or displaced persons' property : working paper / submitted by Paulo Sergio Pinheiro pursuant to Sub-Commission decision 2001/122

The term “restitution” refers to an equitable remedy, or a form of restorative justice, by which persons who suffer loss or injury are returned as far as possible to their original pre-loss or pre‑injury position.  The remedy includes, for example, the return of arbitrarily or illegally confiscated housing or property.  Again, housing and property restitution is increasingly viewed as a right of displaced persons and refugees under international human rights law, and as the key means of returning situations involving displacement to their original state.

 

 

05/06/2002

E/2002/73