Her Royal Highness Princess Sonam Dechen Wangchuck, President of the Bhutan National Legal Institute, officially unveiled the Justice Sector Strategic Plan II (JSSP II) 2024-2029 in a significant ceremony in Thimphu yesterday. This strategic initiative marks a pivotal step towards overhauling Bhutan’s justice system, aligning it with the broader socio-economic objectives outlined in the nation’s 13th Five-Year Plan.
The JSSP II serves as a comprehensive blueprint aimed at modernizing the judiciary while fostering economic growth and social harmony. Emphasizing the principles of justice and the rule of law, the plan prioritizes expanding legal aid services to ensure equitable access for all citizens. It also focuses on enhancing the inclusivity and accessibility of legal processes, ensuring that no individual is marginalized within the justice system.
A key component of the strategy is the harmonization of Bhutanese laws to address new and emerging legal challenges effectively. By strengthening institutional frameworks and investing in professional development, the plan seeks to bolster the integrity, transparency, and accountability of the justice sector. Additionally, the integration of digital technologies is expected to streamline communication and increase the sector’s responsiveness to public needs.
Building on the foundations laid by JSSP I, the new strategic plan aims to create an environment conducive to economic investment by improving the efficiency and transparency of dispute resolution mechanisms. This is seen as essential for fostering business confidence and facilitating sustainable economic development.
“Our vision for JSSP II is to create a justice system that not only upholds fairness and legal certainty but also actively contributes to Bhutan’s socio-economic progress,” Princess Sonam Dechen stated during the launch. “By ensuring timely and transparent legal processes, we aim to build a robust framework that supports both individual rights and national development.”
The plan also addresses socio-economic disparities by ensuring equal access to legal protections and services, thereby promoting social cohesion and stability. Emphasizing the importance of preserving Bhutanese identity, the strategy reinforces the rule of law to safeguard the rights of all citizens, fostering a just and harmonious society.
International organizations have played a crucial role in the development of JSSP II. The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF) provided technical support, ensuring that the plan incorporates best practices and global standards.
Mohammad Younus, UNDP Resident Representative, highlighted the significance of inclusivity in the new strategy. “As Princess Sonam Dechen emphasized, the JSSP II’s focus on a people-centric approach is vital for creating a justice sector that is both effective and accessible to all,” he said. “UNDP is committed to supporting Bhutan in implementing this strategic plan to achieve a justice system that truly serves every citizen.”
Andrea James, UNICEF Representative, underscored the plan’s impact on juvenile justice. “JSSP II is instrumental in advancing justice for children by removing barriers to legal access, ensuring fair hearings, and protecting young individuals involved in legal processes,” she remarked. “UNICEF remains dedicated to supporting these initiatives to ensure that every child in Bhutan can access justice and receive the protection they deserve.”
The implementation of JSSP II will be managed by the Justice Sector Secretariat under the Office of the Attorney General, with collaboration from the Justice Sector Working Committee, National Steering Committee, and the Joint Justice Sector Management Committee. Initial actions include formal adoption of the plan, mapping out implementation timelines, aligning institutional actions, enhancing coordination mechanisms, raising public awareness, and establishing a robust monitoring and evaluation framework to ensure the plan’s success.
With JSSP II, Bhutan reaffirms its commitment to a just and equitable society, leveraging legal reforms to support comprehensive socio-economic development and uphold the cherished values of its citizens.
