People-centred justice: Hague Institute seeks national strategy

The Hague Institute for Innovation of Law (HiiL) has solicited a national strategy to effectively close the gap for people-centred justice. 

The Data Analyst and Reporting Officer at HiiL, Mr Jelmer Brouwer, said this at the launch of the Justice Needs and Satisfaction (JNS) 2024 report in Abuja. 

Brouwer called for reform of the justice system to prioritise justice needs of individuals as a way of resolving legal disputes efficiently and making justice delivery people-centred. 

“By focusing on real world legal experiences and generating fair outcomes, people-centred justice will contribute to societal well-being, inclusive growth, and democratic governance,” he said.

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“It will also support the UN’s Sustainable Development Goal 16 (SDG) which aims for peaceful and inclusive societies with equal access to justice, and addresses urgent justice needs through innovative transformations,” he said. 

He added that the JNS 2024 report seeks to build and deliver fresh insights and data to inform policymakers, legal practitioners, and the public on how to create more accessible and equitable justice systems.

The Country Representative of HiiL, Ijeoma Nwafor, added that to close the justice gap and help people move on with their lives, innovative approaches outside the formal justice system are therefore crucial.