 Jastis Blong Evriwan (JBE) is part of a multi-country research and development effort that focuses on the challenges of justice reform in nations with plural legal systems through interventions that emphasize the needs and viewpoints of the users. JBE programming is built on detailed understanding of the local context and working closely with government and local communities. For maximum impact the program aims to mainstream justice, accountability and conflict management considerations into broader reform processes, such as those supported by the World Bank and other donor programs - for more information visit www.worldbank.org/justiceforthepoor.
 The resilience of local systems, the limited reach of central institutions and the rhetorical support of state actors for kastom, present opportunities to think creatively about the ordering of governance in Vanuatu and to develop innovative tools and methods to manage the impact of development and conflict in the context of legal pluralism. In response to government and community demand, and in light of the need to retain flexibility to respond to likely changes in policy and operational priorities, three broad areas of engagement have been identified:  •         Action research, pilots, policy advice and informing development projects on accountability, dispute resolution and conflict management aspects of land and natural resources, and local governance •         Assisting the government to develop a comprehensive approach to legal empowerment •         Building ni-Vanuatu capacity to conduct evidenced-based policy reform.  A preliminary study of the factors underpinning the dynamics of land disputes has generated a number of interesting findings, and identified potential areas for future in-depth inquiry. A second study looking at the conditions of land leases and related disputes is currently being designed. The study will be combined with a series of multi-stakeholder policy dialogues on a number of legal ambiguities that relate to the conversion of land from kastom-held to registered title. Future areas of exploration might include a study on community associations, urban informal settlements and women’s access to land. A research into urban youth organizing and their impact on broader community governance is currently being designed with a view to identifying success stories to help guide the design of practical interventions.  For more information on Jastis Blong Evriwan in Vanuatu, please contact Milena Stefanova at mstefanova@worldbank.org and Justin Haccius at jhaccius@worldbank.org. |
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