Promoting Restorative Justice in Panama

by Lynette Parker

Although the authority to use mediation in certain crimes first appeared in Panamanian regulations in 1995, this option has been underutilised by justice system personnel. Subsequent legislation and policies developed by the Ministerio Público have sought to strengthen mediation, including by creating alternative dispute resolution centres in different parts of the country.

In 2009, the government put out a request for proposals for consultants to assist with promoting penal mediation throughout the country. The Centro de Conciliación y Arbitraje (Centro) of the Cámara de Comercio, Industrias y Agricultura of Panama won the contract to develop a system of alternative conflict resolution.  At that time, the Centro contracted with Prison Fellowship Panama as consultants on the project.  From 28 June through 1 July, I had the honour and pleasure to work with representatives from both organisations in a series of awareness-raising seminars for justice system personnel.

Jul 05, 2010 Region: Latin America, Country:Panama, Correspondent:Lynette Parker

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