In a bid to revolutionize how justice is administered to children in conflict with the law, the Jigme Singye Wangchuck School of Law has introduced a pioneering ten-day Summer School dedicated to restorative justice. This initiative aims to shift the focus from punitive measures to understanding and rehabilitation, ensuring that young individuals learn from their mistakes and foster positive behavioral changes.
The Summer School, which kicked off this week, brings together 20 participants from a range of key service providers including the Judiciary, the Office of the Attorney General, the Police, Nazhoen Lamtoen, and the PEMA Secretariat. This diverse group is expected to explore and enhance their understanding of restorative justice principles, which emphasize repairing harm and supporting personal growth over traditional punitive approaches.
The launch of this programme follows a comprehensive needs assessment conducted last year by the Jigme Singye Wangchuck School of Law. The assessment identified critical gaps in the current legal framework, challenges within child justice procedures, and a pressing need for greater awareness and advocacy surrounding child rights and justice.
Among the highlighted issues was the underutilization of the Child Care and Protection Act’s provisions on alternative sentencing and restorative practices. Dema Lham, a faculty member at the JSW School of Law, noted, “While restorative justice concepts are not explicitly detailed in the law, principles are being applied in courts, by prosecutors, and police. This programme aims to reinforce and expand these concepts among participants, fostering more effective implementation.”
The Child Care and Protection Act of 2011 includes elements such as diversion and family group conferencing, which align with restorative justice principles. However, Lham acknowledged that implementation has been inconsistent and that awareness of these concepts remains low. “Although diversion practices are increasingly recognized and used, other components like legal questioning and family group conferencing require more attention and application,” she added.
This Summer School is set to become an annual event, with UNICEF partnering in its organization to ensure ongoing support and development. The initiative marks a significant step towards creating a more inclusive and responsive justice system that prioritizes the rights and needs of children.
Through this forward-thinking programme, the Jigme Singye Wangchuck School of Law aims to foster a justice system where understanding and rehabilitation take precedence, ultimately benefiting both children and the broader community.
