Developing Restorative Practices in Latin America Lynette Parker Prison Fellowship International Centre for Justice and Reconciliation Restorative Justice in Emerging Countries 11th United Nations Congress on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice Ancillary Meeting 21 April 2005

Values of Restorative Justice Encounter Inclusion Amends Reintegration

Characteristics of Restorative Justice Balanced in scope Voluntary participation Problem solving orientation

Common Practices in Latin America Penal Mediation  Argentina  Proyecto RAC  Mediation  Conciliation  Moderated Conciliation Conferences

Common Practices in Latin America Penal Conciliation  Colombia  Indigenous antecedents Penal Mediation

Common Practices in Latin America Reparative Agreements  Chile Penal Mediation Penal Conciliation

Common Practices in Latin America Conferencing  Brazil  Schools  Juvenile Justice Penal Mediation Penal Conciliation Reparative Agreements

Programmes With Restorative Elements Transform the relationship between government and civil society Community members help address the needs of victims and offenders

Programmes With Restorative Elements  Assistance Units for Victims of Crime- Chile  Psychological, legal, and material support  Build support networks  Legal advice and assistance  Community awareness campaigns Examples:

Programmes With Restorative Elements  Casa de Justicia- Colombia  Combine social, legal, medical, conciliation, and welfare services  Address victims’ emotional, physical, and legal needs  Resolve conflict without stigmatizing victims and offenders Examples:  Assistance Units for Victims of Crime- Chile

Programmes With Restorative Elements Examples:  Assistance Units for Victims of Crime- Chile  Casa de Justicia- Colombia  APAC-Brazil  Unique prison management system  Strong community environment  Human valorization  From spiritual crisis to renewal

Reason for Using Alternative Practices Decongesting the courts and prison Addressing the lack of confidence in the administration Decreasing violence and build culture of peace Recognizing the needs and rights of crime victims

Government and Civil Society Partnerships Active involvement of universities, non- governmental organizations, and churches Examples:  Catholic University of Temuco  Fundación Paz Ciudadana Importance  Maintaining balance between interests  Help ensure holistic approach  Greater impact throughout society