RCN Justice & Démocratie

RCN Justice & Démocratie (RCN J&D) is a Belgian NGO created in 1994, active in promoting justice and conflict prevention. RCN J&D defends the idea that justice is a pillar of social cohesion and a lever for social change, and that there are many different models of justice. In order to serve society and individuals, justice must be adapted to the social, economic and cultural contexts in which it is deployed, must be accessible to all and must institute positive standards and practices guaranteeing freedoms and equality before the law.  

This vision of justice leads us to go beyond the judicial response and value all the mechanisms likely to resolve conflicts sustainably and meet victims' needs for reparation (mediation-conciliation, restorative justice, transitional justice, etc.). In the context of African societies, the NGO pays particular attention to legal pluralism (law/custom), constructive links between customary justice and judicial justice, and the development of a justice system that is more respectful of human rights. RCN J&D also works on remembering international crimes and, more broadly, on raising awareness of conflict prevention. 

Our areas of action :  

• Working with actors involved in the justice system to improve their skills and sense of responsibility 
• Supporting the empowerment of citizens and civil society actors in order to know, defend and assert their rights, duties and responsibilities 
• Create meeting facilities for justice professionals, civil society, administrative and customary authorities and the general public to work together and share their expectations with a view to improving their respective practices in the justice sector. 
• Carrying out analyses, studies and advocacy to improve the normative frameworks and justice policies