Building on the successes of the first strategic plan, the Justice Sector Strategic Plan II outlines a vision for a forward-looking justice sector that serves as an enduring symbol of fairness, accessibility, inclusivity and transparency for generations to come

Staff Reporter

Her Royal Highness Princess Sonam Dechan Wangchuck, the President of Bhutan National Legal Institute launched the Justice Sector Strategic Plan II (JSSP II) 2024-2029 in Thimphu November 19.

The JSSP II is a roadmap designed to further reform Bhutan’s justice system while contributing to the socio-economic development goals outlined in the 13th Five-Year Plan.

This comprehensive strategy not only upholds the core principles of justice and the rule of law but also focuses on key priority areas, including expanding legal aid services, enhancing accessibility and inclusivity to ensure no one is left behind and harmonizing laws to address emerging legal challenges.

It seeks to strengthen institutional systems and processes with a focus on professional development, reinforce integrity, transparency, and accountability to build public trust and embrace digital transformation to improve communication and responsiveness within the justice sector.

Building on the vision, mission and the success of JSSP I, the new strategic plan aims to foster a conducive environment for economic growth and investment by enhancing the efficiency of the justice system and ensuring transparent and timely dispute resolution essential for business.

By providing equal access to legal services and protection under the law, the plan seeks to address socio-economic disparities and promote social cohesion. It positions the justice sector as the cornerstone for the country’s progress, contributing to socio-economic development through a fair, efficient legal environment, legal certainty, and cost-effective dispute resolution.

The strategy also aims to improve human capital by enhancing legal education and access to justice, thereby enabling greater participation in the society. In addition, it emphasizes the preservation of Bhutanese identity and social harmony, promoting the rule of law to protect the rights of all citizens. Guided by principles of inclusivity, transparency, and sustainability, the plan envisions a people-centric justice system that aligns with the goal of a just and harmonious society, preventing crime and upholding the rule of law.

The UNDP and UNICEF provided technical support for the development of JSSP II.

UNDP Resident Representative Mohammad Younus said inclusivity remains the cornerstone of a justice sector that leaves no one behind. “As Her Royal Highness highlighted, the emphasis of the JSSP II on fostering a more people-centric approach to justice is pivotal for Bhutan’s ongoing efforts to build a justice sector that is not only effective and accessible but also truly inclusive.

UNDP’s support to JSSP II builds on our longstanding partnership with the justice sector and we remain committed to supporting efforts to implement the strategic plan to achieve its vision of a justice sector that guarantees access to justice for all.”

UNICEF Representative Andrea James said a comprehensive justice sector strategic plan is pivotal in advancing justice for children. “The JSSP II not only identifies but also addresses the barriers that hinder children’s access to justice. This includes enhancing legal aid services, ensuring timely and fair hearings, strengthening the rehabilitation and reintegration of children in conflict with the law, and protecting children from secondary victimization during legal proceedings. UNICEF remains committed to supporting these efforts and working towards a future where every child can access justice, protection, and care.”

The plan’s implementation will be coordinated by the Justice Sector Secretariat under the Office of the Attorney General (OAG), with support from the Justice Sector Working Committee (JSWC), National Steering Committee (NSC), and the Joint Justice Sector Management Committee (JJSMC). Initial steps will include adopting the plan, mapping implementation timeframes, aligning institutional action plans, enhancing coordination mechanisms, raising awareness, and establishing a robust, results-focused monitoring and evaluation framework.