Strengthening Access to Social Justice Services in Jamaica
UNDP Calls for Official Referral System
KINGSTON, Jamaica, CMC—
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has urged the Jamaican government and civil society organizations (CSOs) to consider establishing an official referral system for CSO clients to bolster efforts to increase demand for the Ministry of Justice’s social justice services.
Cross-Country Promotions
Since 2024, seven CSOs commissioned by the Ministry of Justice under the Canadian government-financed Social Justice project have been conducting cross-country promotions of the Ministry’s restorative justice, mediation, dispute resolution, victim support, and child diversion services among vulnerable groups like women, children, rural communities, and persons with disabilities.
Expanding the Partnership
UNDP Resident Representative Kishan Khoday emphasized the need to expand the CSO partnership to youth-led groups, citizen safety and security groups, and other potential allies to expand outreach and referrals to many more vulnerable groups.
CSO Impact Showcase
Addressing the CSO Impact Showcase, Khoday called on the wider CSO community to join these important efforts to bolster access to social justice services, share information where access is being denied, share contact information with those in need, and engage with UNDP to discuss how they can participate in outreach programs.
Recognizing the Role of CSOs
The head of Development Cooperation at the Canada High Commission, Shehryar Sarwar, highlighted the vital role of CSOs in promoting social justice by raising awareness, advocating for policy changes, and delivering essential services.
CSO Partners
The seven CSO partners under the Social Justice project are the Lay Magistrates Association of Jamaica, Circle of Care Jamaica, Jamaicans for Justice, Jamaica Association for the Deaf, Jamaica Professionals Youth Workers Association, Children First, and the Multi Care Youth Foundation.
Conclusion
The seven-year Social Justice project aims to improve access to social justice in Jamaica, using an equitable human rights and gender-responsive approach, focusing on vulnerable communities such as women, girls, persons living with disabilities, and other key populations.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the purpose of the Social Justice project?
The project aims to improve access to social justice in Jamaica, focusing on vulnerable communities. - What are the key services provided under the project?
The project provides restorative justice, mediation, dispute resolution, victim support, and child diversion services. - Who are the key partners in the project?
The project partners are the Lay Magistrates Association of Jamaica, Circle of Care Jamaica, Jamaicans for Justice, Jamaica Association for the Deaf, Jamaica Professionals Youth Workers Association, Children First, and the Multi Care Youth Foundation.
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