Strengthening Restorative Justice

Meetings with the community in Puntarenas strengthen the implementation of the Restorative Justice Law in Costa Rica

Puntarenas
,
Costa Rica
|
September 30, 2019
ADELANTE Programme: Triangular Cooperation European Union Latin America and the Caribbean

The Regional Project Strengthening Restorative Justice, financed by the European Union, promotes the implementation of the Restorative Justice Law in Costa Rica by holding community meetings to provide information and raise awareness of new restorative processes.

On 24 September 2019, in coordination with the Puntarenas Juvenile Restorative Justice team, the values, principles and philosophy of the restorative process were shared with the community and used to resolve juvenile criminal conflicts. This allowed for a deeper understanding of the relevance of victims within the judicial process and the possibility of creating opportunities for the minor sentenced persons to acquire tools for adequate social reinsertion.

On 25 September 2019, in coordination with the Puntarenas Restorative Misdemeanor Justice team, participants exchanged experiences on Restorative Justice with the community, highlighting the importance of active community participation in coordination with public institutions and the Judicial Branch. In addition, the new restoration process for contraventions established by the Restorative Justice Law as of 20 January of this year was unveiled. The pilot plan is being developed at the First Judicial Circuit of Puntarenas.

The activity was attended by judicial staff from the Province of Puntarenas, civil society actors such as "El Puerto Puede", students, young athletes, religious and sports organizations, the educational community, the National Children's Trust, the Coast Guard Police, the Public Force Police, INAMU leaders, the Transit Police, the Ministry of Justice and Peace, small business owners and Judicial Facilitators from the Judicial Branch, among others.

This project is led by Magistrate Rafael Segura Bonilla of the Criminal Cassation Chamber and Coordinator of the Restorative Justice Programme. It is being executed in conjunction with the Judicial Branch of the State of Mexico and the Rodrigo Lara Bonilla Judicial School of Colombia, with technical assistance provided by ADELANTE.