Port Vila, 2 July 2025: The Honourable Job Andy, Minister of Justice, Youth and Community Services (MJYCS), highlighted Vanuatu’s unique approach to kastom justice at a major international forum.

Speaking alongside global legal leaders, grassroots justice defenders and representatives from over 20 international organisations, Minister Andy presented Vanuatu as a Pacific leader in integrating kastom into national justice systems. He offered a valuable model for countries seeking more culturally grounded, people-centred approaches to justice.

Speaking alongside global legal leaders, grassroots justice defenders and representatives from over 20 international organisations, Minister Andy presented Vanuatu as a Pacific leader in integrating kastom into national justice systems. He offered a valuable model for countries seeking more culturally grounded, people-centred approaches to justice.

Vanuatu’s Constitution formally recognises kastom (customary law) and gives chiefs a central role in resolving disputes, managing land and maintaining community order, particularly in rural and remote areas where most of the population still lives.

“The Ministry of Justice, Youth and Community Services is the key protection arm of our government,” Minister Andy said, in his video address to the first-ever Global Convening on Strengthening Customary and Informal Pathways to People-Centred Justice in Warsaw, Poland. “We must walk hand in hand with our chiefs to tackle pressing social issues like family violence and land disputes. Our Ministry’s 2030 justice sector strategy places customary governance as a core enabling sub-strategy and our chiefs remain vital figures, especially where state services do not reach. They are a trusted bridge for our people, helping to maintain community order and deliver justice across the islands of Vanuatu.

The Global Convening was co-hosted by 22 partner governments and organisations, ranging from UN and intergovernmental agencies to international civil society and grassroots justice defenders, and took place immediately following the World Justice Forum 2025, the premier international gathering for the rule of law. Minister Andy’s participation was supported by the Vanuatu Australia Policing and Justice Program (VAPJP), as part of Australia’s broader partnership with Vanuatu to strengthen both state and non-state justice systems.

“Australia is proud to work alongside the Government of Vanuatu and the Malvatumauri to support chiefs and preserve kastom in a modern justice system,” said Australian High Commissioner to Vanuatu, His Excellency (HE) Mr. Max Willis. “Through our partnership, we help strengthen institutions that serve the needs of women, children, and vulnerable people, and we’re grateful for the opportunity to support the minister and MJYCS to take part in this important global event.”

In his address, Minister Andy also expressed MJYCS’ ongoing commitment to its partnership with the Malvatumauri Council of Chiefs and continuing to advocate for greater international recognition of the value, legitimacy, and effectiveness of customary justice, working alongside core state agencies where communities cannot, or choose not to, access state services. Vanuatu will also share its insights with other countries in the region and beyond, contributing to global efforts to build rights-based people-centred and culturally appropriate justice systems.