Informal justice systems: charting a course for human rights-based engagement

Until recently, informal justice systems (ijs) were relatively invisible in development partner-assisted justice interventions.
yet, ijs form a key part of individuals’ and communities’ experience of justice and the rule of law, with over 80 percent of disputes resolved through informal justice mechanisms in some countries.

The study seeks to identify how engagement with ijs can build greater respect and protection for human rights. It highlights the considerations that development partners should have when assessing whether to implement programmes involving ijs, the primary consideration being that engagement with the ijs neither directly nor  inadvertently reinforces existing societal or structural discrimination – a consideration that applies to working with formal justice systems as well. The study also examines the value of ijs in offering, in certain contexts, flexible structures and processes, cost-effectiveness and outreach to grassroots communities.

UNDP - UN Women, UNICEF 2012

The poor and marginalized are too often denied the ability to seek remedies in a fair justice system. UNDP promotes effective, responsive, accessible and fair justice systems as a pillar of democratic governance.