NCJ Number
201657
Date Published
February 2003
Length
43 pages
Annotation
This UNAFEI newsletter reviews the 123rd International Senior Seminar entitled, “The Protection of Victims of Crime and the Active Participation of Victims in the Criminal Justice Process Specifically Considering Restorative Justice Approaches,” which took place from January 14 to February 13, 2003.
Abstract
Traditionally, the role of the victim in the criminal justice system has been truncated to include only that of witness. However, a growing interest in restorative justice models has emerged around the world. Although many definitions of restorative justice exist, it is generally an approach to criminal justice that is victim-centered and involves the active participation of the victim, the offender, and the community. This United Nations Asia and Far East Institute for the Prevention of Crime and the Treatment of Offenders (UNAFEI) Senior Seminar focused on two issues related to restorative justice: (1) the current situation and problems regarding the protection of victims and the active participation of victims in the criminal justice process and (2) the current situation, problems, and possibilities with restorative justice models. The newsletter explains the rationale for the course and then provides a summary of the course, which includes brief descriptions of lectures, individual presentations, the general discussion session, observation visits, group study tour, and special events. A listing of each lecture topic and individual presentation topic are provided, along with the presenter of the lecture or presentation. The next section provides a summary of the general discussion paper, which focused on the support and protection of victims and models of restorative justice. Information about the observation visits and group study tours are listed by date, agency or institution in charge, and main person concerned. The dates and subjects of the special events are offered next. A listing is provided for all the reference materials distributed at the training session, followed by a listing of the experts and participants. The newsletter also contains a listing of the participants and a summary of the general discussion paper of the Fifth Training Course on Corruption Control, which was held from October 28 to November 21, 2002. A brief description of the Indonesia-UNAFEI Joint Seminar follows, including a list of the final recommendations that were adopted by the Joint Seminar. Finally, forthcoming programs and activities offered by UNAFEI are described and a listing of the UNAFEI staff and faculty concludes the newsletter.