Handbook on Restorative justice programmes

6.4 The role of NGOs and civil society
Non-governmental organizations (NGO’s) have played a major role in
the development and implementation of restorative justice programmes
worldwide. Their effectiveness in creating restorative forums stems, in
large measure, from their being closer to the communities than criminal
chapter 6
Programme operation
59 
See, for example, the evaluation of youth justice pilots in Great Britain; Dignan, 2000.
60 
See the model agreement and the case study presented in the Home Office’s consultation doc-
ument: Home Office (2003), pp. 71-73.

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justice personnel usually are. Similarly, NGOs may have more credibility
in some cases than the police, public prosecutors and judges and be held
in higher regard. In many countries, NGOs are also free from the taint of
patronage and corruption and this gives further legitimacy to their pro-
grammatic initiatives. This legitimacy is very important for restorative
programmes, many of which rely on the involvement of community resi-
dents and, in particular, assurance on the part of the victims of crime that
their case will be handled fairly with little chance of re-victimization.
NGOs may also partner with government, but in doing so, should assure
themselves that doing so will not compromise the integrity of the pro-
gramme or introduce political or other agendas into the process.