Just Peace Initiatives (JPI) is a Non Governmental Organization registered under registration & Control ordinance 1961 (Reg. No. DSW/NWFP/2509) with social welfare Directorate Govt. of Khyber-Pukhtoon-khawa, Pakistan. The organization works for the “Promotion of building a just civil society based on justice and peace through conflict transformation methods & harnessing the creative energies of the poor and underprivileged”. This aim is achieved with the close collaboration of partner Communities and organizations through a participatory, demand responsive, gender and poverty sensitive integrated development approach in the Khyber-Pukhtoonkhwa, Baluchistan Provinces, and FATA.
Since its inception JPI intervened in the following sectors by utilizing its Human and Institutional Potential.
1. Peace & Development 5.Human & Institutional development
2. Human Rights 6.Emergency Response to local and refugees communities
3. Primary & Reproductive Health 7.Awareness Raising Through Media
4. Water, Sanitation & Hygiene (WASH) 8.Research & Publications
3.2 Researches Conducted:
JPI approach to the community is based on gross roots research to explore and update existing structure of problem solving institutions and update it according to the modern scientific human rights charters.
3.2.1 TOWARDS UNDERSTANDING PAKHTOON JIRGA,
Research study on Informal Justice System in Pukhtoon belt of Pakistan & Afghanistan. Funded by United State Institute of Peace (USIP) and Eastern Mennonite University VA, USA Research Study was published in form of Book.
The purpose of the study was to understand Jirga the Pukhtoon tradition and indigenous way of peace building, its positive and negative impacts and bring recommendation/suggestions for its reformation.
3.2.2 RESEARCH ON RESTORATIVE JUSTICE SYSTEM
Book launched. “A little book of Restorative Justice” first Authored by the pioneer of Restorative Justice Professor, Howard Zehr, Director Conflict transformation EMU, VA co-authored by Mr. Ali Gohar Rehbar/CE JPI in Pak-Afghan Context.1000 copies of the book were published twice provided to the CSO in Pakistan and Afghanistan free of cost to update Jirga and make it as per the demand of modern human rights standard.
A brief history of Restorative justice system and its contribution in conflict resolution and transformation are included in this book with comparison of Formal Justice System and Restorative Justice System align with differences and similarities with Pukhtoon Jirga system.
3.2.3 WHO LEARNS FROM WHOM (Pukhtoon Tradition in Modern Perspective)
Pukhtoon traditions, various customs in Pukhtoon culture, its impact on society. Mr. Ali Gohar discussed in simple language along with pictures for the reader especially for youth. Pukhtoon institutions like Jumaat (Mosque), Hujra (Community centre) and JIRGA
(Elders Cabinet) were informal learning institutions in the past. When such institutions were intact there was complete peace and harmony in the Pukhtoon belt .Revival of it is the focus of the book.
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3.2.4“RESEARCH STUDY ON INFORMAL JUSTICE SYSTEM IN PAKISTAN”
Recently JPI in collaboration with UNICEF, UNDP and UNIFEM has initiated the mentioned study. The Informal Justice Systems provide an important thread in the fabric of our societies, no single society can rely totally on the formal justice system and no form of justice system can take care of the grass roots issues/conflict arising out of social interactions of people. For the same the study was launched for the following main areas to explore.Gender and justice,Marganilized community vioces in the decision making process,difference between different indigenious system pravailing in Pakistan,Jirga,Fasilo,Punchayath,Mehr Kacherai.Gap between formal and informal justice system in Pakistan.