2004:08 SUPPORTING WOMEN PRISONERS THROUGH RESTORATIVE JUSTICE
Whereas in 2000, Canada was successful in introducing a resolution at the United Nations (UN) in New York entitled “Basic Principles on the Use of Restorative Justice Programmes in Criminal Matters”, and in 2002 achieving consensus support for a Declaration of these principles at the UN Commission on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice in Vienna; and
Whereas Restorative Justice treats criminal offences as against the state (or in Canada, the Crown), to be dealt with not so much by punishment as by processes that promote healing, reparation and restoration for both the offender and the victim; and
Whereas some progress has been made since the release of the Arbour Report in 1996 – The Commission of Inquiry into certain Events at the Prison for Women in Kingston; and
Whereas these basic principles governed the approach taken by the National Council of Women of Canada in Policy 88.17EM on Sentencing Reform; therefore be it
RESOLVED, that the National Council of Women of Canada adopt as policy full support for the United Nations document entitled “Basic Principles on the Use of Restorative Justice Programmes in Criminal Matters”; and be it further
RESOLVED, that the National Council of Women of Canada urge the Government of Canada to:
a. reaffirm its support for the “Basic Principles on the Use of Restorative Justice Programmes in Criminal Matters” and to provide adequate funds to implement Restorative Justice in the Federal Corrections System; and
b. urge the Provincial and Territorial Governments to adopt support for the “Basic Principles on the Use of Restorative Justice Programmes in Criminal Matters” and to provide adequate funding for its implementation in the provincial correctional system; and be it further
RESOLVED, that the National Council of Women of Canada request its Local and Provincial Councils of Women to urge their respective governments to adopt support for the “Basic Principles on the Use of Restorative Justice Programmes in Criminal Matters” and to provide adequate funding for its implementation.