“Strengthening Community-Based Rehabilitation and Human Rights in Vanuatu”

Lakatoro, Malekula — A successful Community Justice Supervisors Forum was held last week in Lakatoro, bringing together chiefs, church leaders, and respected community representatives from northeast, central, and southeast Malekula.

The three-day forum, held from 29 September to 01 October 2025, was organized by the Probation Service Unit of the Department of Correctional Services in partnership with the Human Rights and Social Development Unit (SPC). It provided vital training and induction for Community Justice Supervisors (CJS), focusing on strengthening rehabilitation, human rights, and community safety.

Participants play an essential role in monitoring and guiding offenders serving community-based sentences such as parole, supervision, and community work. This was the fifth forum hosted by Malampa Province since 2016, underscoring the province’s leadership and commitment to community justice.

Malampa currently oversees 52 community-based offenders, and the Department of Correctional Services highlights that ongoing training is key to reducing reoffending, promoting human rights, and building safer, more resilient communities.

“Community Justice Supervisors are the eyes and ears of Corrections in our villages,” said a spokesperson from the Department. “By strengthening their capacity, we’re enhancing public safety, community resilience, and the rehabilitation of offenders.”

The training also covered Rod Blong Jastis Map, offender sentence conditions, and the constitutional importance of human rights. Participants concluded the program equipped with stronger skills to support offender reintegration, promote reconciliation with victims, and maintain community harmony.