By Agnes Said and Holly Burduja
There’s a buzzword that’s been making waves in the legal community and beyond: people-centered justice. This concept has been gaining traction in various contexts, from academic discourse and policy discussions to ongoing justice projects.
But what exactly is people-centered justice?
The OECD’s Framework for People-Centered Justice puts it simply: it’s about placing individuals and their legal needs at the center of the justice system. This means starting from the perspective of people, including vulnerable and underserved groups and communities, and placing them at the core when designing, delivering, implementing, and evaluating public policies, services, and legal procedures, both within and beyond the justice system.
The idea is to address the significant gap between the public justice services available and what people actually need for their everyday legal issues. This involves designing legal services that focus on those the system is supposed to serve, rather than on the institutions themselves, and introducing alternative pathways and solutions to accessing justice. While courts play a crucial role in settling disputes and interpreting laws, most everyday legal and justice needs never reach a courtroom, nor do they need to. Initiatives that can help make justice accessible to all include mobile legal aid units, free legal clinics, simplified procedures, leveraging traditional justice resolution mechanisms such as customary justice, online information and tools, and promoting digital literacy.
However, even with all the talk about people-centered justice, a lot of people around the world still can’t get the legal help they need. The World Justice Project’s survey, Global Insights on Access to Justice, paints a stark picture: out of over 100,000 people in 101 countries, about half faced a legal issue in the past two years. Yet, less than a third sought advice, and even fewer reached a resolution. Knowing you have a legal problem is one thing, while having the means and knowledge how to address it is another.
So what does people-centered justice look like in action?
While there is no one-size-fits-all method, various countries and organizations are pioneering innovative solutions to make justice more accessible and responsive to the people it serves. Let’s explore some notable examples that bring the concept to life.
The Dutch Legal Aid Board (Raad voor Rechtsbijstand), with its pioneering Rechtwijzer platform – literally a “Roadmap to Justice,” lets users navigate legal issues using interactive tools. And if more help is needed, the Legal Services Counter can help to clarify things and connect users with the necessary legal aid, including subsidized lawyers and mediators. This blend of digital and direct support makes legal help accessible to all, regardless of income.
In Peru, the World Bank-supported Asistencia Legal Gratuita (ALEGRA) centers provide essential legal aid for various issues, including criminal, family, civil, and labor matters, and help people in rural areas with limited justice access. Assistance is provided in person or by phone. Fono Alegra 1884 offers a compassionate ear and guiding hand for those in need of legal aid. This government-funded toll-free advice line directs citizens to the nearest support service and provides initial guidance on defending their fundamental rights, making justice more accessible.
In many countries, the ongoing World Bank-supported justice projects are already people-centered. For example, the World Bank is currently supporting Romania in developing a user centric service delivery model. This project aims to make it easier for people to access justice services by enhancing legal aid and focusing on a user-friendly approach. Similarly, in Croatia, the Justice4Business project is financing the introduction of citizen-centric judicial infrastructure and digital measures to improve access to and efficiency of justice. Through such collaborations, the World Bank serves as a global partner in ensuring justice for all and establishing justice as a global public good.
In a nutshell, think of people-centered justice as upgrading justice systems to meet 21st century demands – mixing the best of the traditional methods with new approaches. It’s about making the system work better for everyone by diving into the heart of communities and understanding their unique challenges, and ensuring the law is a helping hand, not a hurdle.
As the world shifts, so should justice systems, aiming to be more open, more reliable, and always adapting to serve better. Change may be hard and there’ll be some old-school resistance but with dedication, new strategies, and collaboration among global partners, shifting to people-centric justice systems is within reach. By harnessing collective insights, we’re already paving the way to a more equitable society, where justice is not only envisioned but is a lived reality for all.
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