From Institution-centered to People-centered: Redefining Justice in the Criminal Justice System
Session Time and Date
11 November, 15:45– 17:15
Meeting Room G
Concept Summary
The need for a people-centered approach in the criminal justice system is underscored by the global commitment to achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 16. Traditional justice systems have often prioritized institutional goals over the needs and rights of individuals, leading to significant barriers to access and perpetuating systemic inequalities. This misalignment not only undermines public trust but also fails to address the diverse experiences of those affected by the system.
A people-centered approach is particularly vital for the criminal justice system because it directly addresses issues of accessibility, fairness, and responsiveness. By focusing on the needs and experiences of individuals, this approach enhances the effectiveness of justice delivery by ensuring that services are tailored to the specific needs of diverse communities. It recognizes that requires a holistic understanding of the underlying factors contributing to crime and conflict. By breaking out of the silos, we can address the root causes of legal issues and create a more comprehensive and sustainable solution.
This session will discuss current practices across various institutions—such as police forces, courts, and correctional facilities—that exemplify this approach in the Asia-Pacific region. Key challenges in adopting a people-centered framework will also be addressed, including institutional resistance and the need for cultural shifts within organizations. Panelists will share insights on overcoming these obstacles through collaborative efforts and innovative practices that prioritize human dignity and rehabilitation.
Ultimately, this session aims to inspire a vision for a redefined justice system that is inclusive and responsive to community needs. By fostering dialogue among practitioners, policymakers, and advocates, we can pave the way for towards a justice system that is inclusive, equitable, and responsive to the needs of the communities it serves, paving the way for meaningful change and a more just society for all.
Objectives
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Highlight the fundamental reasons for transitioning from an institution-centered to a people-centered approach in the criminal justice system, emphasizing the urgency of prioritizing the experiences, needs, and rights of individuals and communities
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Showcase current practices and initiatives across various institutions—such as law enforcements, public prosecutors, courts, corrections, in the Asia-Pacific region—that exemplify the effective application of a people-centered approach
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Address key challenges in adopting a people-centered framework and share actionable insights and strategies for overcoming barriers
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Inspire a collective vision for a redefined justice system that is inclusive and responsive, encouraging dialogue among practitioners, policymakers, and advocates to facilitate meaningful reforms
Questions
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What are the key reasons for transitioning from an institution-centered to a people-centered approach in the criminal justice system, and why is this shift particularly urgent in today’s, and APAC, context?
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Can you share specific examples of successful initiatives or practices within law enforcements, public prosecutors, courts, corrections, in the Asia-Pacific region that illustrate the effective application of a people-centered approach?
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What are the main challenges faced by institutions in adopting a people-centered framework, and what actionable strategies can be implemented to overcome these barriers?
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How can we foster collaboration among various justice institutions to create a more cohesive and responsive system that prioritizes the needs of individuals and communities?
Format/Methodology
The session will consist of two components: a panel discussion and a Q&A segment. It will begin with a 60-minute moderated conversation featuring 4-5 panelists who will address the guiding questions outlined above. The panelists will include practitioners from various criminal justice institutions, such as law enforcement, public prosecution, courts, and corrections, representing the Asia-Pacific region. The second part will be a 30-minute Q&A session, during which the panelists will invite questions and engage with the audience.
Speakers and Moderator
Chontit Chuenurah
Director of the Office for the Bangkok Rules and Treatment of Offenders at the Thailand Institute of Justice (TIJ)
Over the past ten years, Chontit has been involved in national, regional, and international research and advocacy to promote the rights of women prisoners. Currently, she leads TIJ’s office which has a mandate to support the implementation of United Nations standards and norms related to prison management and the treatment of offenders through evidence-based research, policy advocacy and capacity building in Thailand, Southeast Asia and beyond.
Madhurima Dhanuka
Lawyer
Madhurima Dhanuka has been working in the criminal justice reform sector for the last 16 years. She is a lawyer with an LL.M. in Criminal Justice from the University of
Nottingham, UK. She has worked in numerous capacities including as a Research Consultant for the National Legal Services Authority, India, a Consultant with the Bureau of Police Research and Development, Ministry of Home Affairs, India. She has been associated with the Prison Reforms Programme, Commonwealth Human Rights Initiative since 2008, and in that capacity she led, managed and developed initiatives to improve prison conditions; strengthen prison oversight mechanisms; reducing pre-trial detention and strengthen pre-trial decision making; ensuring access to prompt and effective legal aid for persons in custody; and protecting rights of vulnerable prisoners including women, transgenders, foreign nationals, refugees and asylum seekers.
Suparat Sawetamal
(Moderator)
Global Engagement Lead, Thaland Intitutate of Justice
Suparat Fern Sawetamal is a dedicated professional currently serving as the Global Engagement Lead at the Thailand Institute of Justice (TIJ), within the Office of Justice Innovation. Based in Bangkok, Thailand, Fern plays a pivotal role in enhancing justice systems through innovative approaches aimed at translating people-centered justice to practice and making justice services more people-centered and accessible. In her role, Fern helps TIJ connect with and build relationships with new international partners, opening up new possibilities and venues for TIJ's work to encourage practical applications of people-centered justice.
With a strong focus on justice reform and international collaboration, Fern has been instrumental in various initiatives that promote justice innovation across Southeast Asia. Her commitment to social impact drives her efforts to connect stakeholders and foster partnerships that enhance innovative practices within the region.
Judge Chanthnom Sirivath
Chief Judge of the Commercial Chamber at the People’s Supreme Court of Lao PDR
Judge Chanthnom Sirivath is the Chief Judge of the Commercial Chamber at the People’s Supreme Court of Lao PDR and a Level 4 senior judge. She serves on the prestigious Judge Council of the People’s Supreme Court, one of only three women among its 10 members, with authority over key judicial issues across the country. Beginning her career in the criminal division of a district court in 1991, Judge Chanthnom has led various chambers, including Criminal, Juvenile, Labor, and Civil.
An advocate for anti-trafficking efforts, she was part of Laos’ National Steering Committee to Combat Trafficking in Persons (TIP) for seven years, contributing to legal guidelines and training for justice officials. Judge Chanthnom holds a Master of Law from Yokohama National University and has been a leading force in justice reform and regional collaboration for Southeast Asia.
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Judge Maria Sophia Solidum-Taylor
Presiding Judge of the Regional Trial Court Br. 31 in Manila
Judge Maria Sophia Solidum-Taylor serves as the Presiding Judge of the Regional Trial Court Br. 31 in Manila, with a designation as Acting Presiding Judge of Br. 53, focusing on Special Criminal Cases related to drug offenses. In December 2023, she launched an innovative program providing rehabilitating drug offenders with mobile food carts to support self-employment, reflecting her commitment to holistic rehabilitation.
In addition to her judicial work, Judge Taylor founded the “Set the Captives Free Through Christ Prison Ministry” and introduced a weekly online Bible study for inmates in Manila, fostering hope and transformation. Before her judicial appointment, she was a Senior Prosecutor in Manila for 20 years, honored as an outstanding prosecutor in 2008. She holds a Doctor of Jurisprudence from Ateneo de Manila University and an LL.M. from Pamantasan ng Maynila.
Eko Novan Prasetyo PUSPITO
Chief of Supervisor Investigation CID Central Java Regional Police, Indonesia
A professional and certified investigator/detective with more than 18 years of experience in criminal investigations, especially in cases of criminal acts of corruption. Have skills in conducting interviews using investigative interviewing methods. Investigative interviewing trainer (2015-Present) both in the Indonesian National Police and outside Police organizations such as the Directorate General of Taxes, Audit Board of the Republic of Indonesia, Association of certificate fraud examiners, Indonesian Forensic Auditors Association and several other institutions. Initiator and created the first investigative Interviewing room in indonesia according to investigative interviewing standards when served as chief of wonosobo resort in 2023.
In October 2024 joined the team as a trainer and speker in the context of creating interview standards using investigative interviewing techniques for auditors at Audit Board of the Republic of Indonesia with the name SANTAI (investigative interviewing version of Audit Board of the Republic of Indonesia)