Creating an accountable justice system
Youth and community activists are coming together in the form of
Community Restorative Justice (CRJ) to confront the problem of
anti-social behaviour.
The idea of CRJ is to reject violence as a tool for resolving
disputes between individuals or families. The idea is for the people
of the community to co-operate in any agreed community processes
involving mediation to resolve disputes or respond to crime. If
mediation fails then members of the community are to commit
themselves to participate in non-violent activity agreed upon in open
discussion and to be carried out against ``those who refuse to comply
with their responsibilities as community members''.
The main problem facing the groups involved in CRJ is getting people
who feel strongly about the problems in their area to support and
become involved in this new initiative.
Pilot projects are already up and running using the Restorative
Justice Mechanism in Derry, and in Belfast areas Clonard, Beechmount,
New Lodge and Poleglass. Within these areas the programme is being
initiated by a committee made up of representatives from residents
and youth groups who are trained and recognised within their
respective areas.
New groups are being set up in other areas throughout Belfast with
consultation meetings already being held in the Greater Turf Lodge
area. There are further meetings planned for Wednesday 10 February
and Friday 12 February.
Further information can be obtained from the Turf Lodge Residents
office or from Tommy Holland at the Frank Cahill Resource Centre, Tel
(01232) 328928.
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