Northern Ireland: restorative justice scheme praised
British Isles David Fletcher 23 Sep 2016 Print EmailAn east Belfast initiative with ties to the UDA (Ulster Defence Association) paramilitary group is moving towards official recognition. A review by the Criminal Justice Inspection Northern Ireland found that the Resolve project is making a ‘useful contribution in a fragmented community’ while delivering value for a very small amount of money. It is believed to be the first such initiative linked to the paramilitary group. Run on an annual budget of just £37,000, it has only two staff members, supported by a small group of volunteers. Its main activities include mediating neighbourhood disputes and offering non-violent solutions, helping people under paramilitary threat, and tackling antisocial behaviour. A Police Service neighbourhood Inspector said that while he would be happy to refer cases to Resolve, he is unable to do so while it remains unaccredited.
- Pray: for the scheme to proceed to the next stage of accreditation and be used widely. (Pr.21:15)
- More: www.itv.com/news/utv/update/2016-09-22/uda-linked-restorative-justice-scheme-praised/