Logistics

Logistical challenges can make work with informal mechanisms more expensive and more time-consuming so programme planners should account for these potential difficulties. Informal justice mechanisms often provide access to justice in areas or during time periods in which the formal justice system is absent. Developing programmes related to justice reform may be difficult for the same reason that formal justice mechanisms are absent – the area in which the informal mechanism operates is difficult to access because of lack of infrastructure, challenging terrain, security issues, or because state control over the area is not well established. Informal mechanisms often are very localized and operate in communities with specific language and cultural characteristics. Unless community members or community-based organizations are directing the reform efforts, translation expenses and cultural training must be accounted for in programme planning.