Plateau State Takes Steps Towards Restorative Justice Reform

Stakeholders in Plateau State have gathered for a two-day validation workshop to discuss the implementation of a Restorative Justice Framework in the state's legal system. The workshop, organized by the Prison Fellowship Nigeria in collaboration with the Plateau State Ministry of Justice, aims to refine and validate a draft Restorative Justice Policy Framework, Practice Directions, and a Draft Restorative Justice Bill.



The Restorative Justice Framework is designed to prioritize victims' rights, empower them to influence how harm is addressed, and create pathways for pre-trial diversion and reducing over-reliance on incarceration for minor offenses. The framework also establishes a system that allows courts to consider restorative efforts as mitigating factors during sentencing.

While the initiative is a step in the right direction, critics argue that the success of the Restorative Justice Framework will depend on the level of stakeholder engagement and the ability of the state to implement the reforms effectively. There are also concerns about the potential for inconsistent application of the framework and the need for ongoing training and support for law enforcement and judicial officials.


*Key Highlights of the Restorative Justice Bill*

- Giving priority to victims' rights and empowering them to influence how harm is addressed

- Creating pathways for pre-trial diversion and reducing over-reliance on incarceration for minor offenses

- Establishing a system that allows courts to consider restorative efforts as mitigating factors during sentencing

The validation workshop is a significant step towards implementing restorative justice in Plateau State. The state's commitment to justice sector reform is commendable, and the initiative has the potential to transform the criminal justice landscape in the state. However, effective implementation and ongoing evaluation will be crucial to the success of the reform.


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