Consolidated Summary Report Access to Justice and Informal Justice Systems

Consolidated Summary Report Access to Justice and Informal Justice Systems

December 21, 2017

Between October 2015 and July 2016,  UNDP in Myanmar conducted a study on
access to justice and informal justice systems in 16 townships in Rakhine, Kachin and Shan States. The purpose of the study was to cast light on the formal, quasi-judicial/administrative and informal processes of justice, and why and how people use them to resolve their disputes and grievances.

The research sought to answer three main questions:
1. How do people seek access to justice?
2. What are people’s perceptions of, and trust and confidence in, the formal justice system?
3. What is the range of informal justice processes that exist in the local area, and how do they operate?

This consolidated report summarises the findings (which are presented in detail in the state reports). It is important to note that the findings are indicative rather than representative, because of the sampling methodology and cannot be generalised to any wider population.

This report highlights the most significant considerations that emerged in terms of access to justice and presents recommendations arising from these considerations, with a view to strengthening the consistency and quality of judicial services throughout Myanmar.