Meeting With Laos Delegation

James Johnston, Rainey Collins Chairman of Partners, met recently with a high level delegation of Government Officials from the Laos Peoples Democratic Republic.

The Officials are visiting New Zealand to discuss our youth justice system and ways in which they can adapt that system to form the basis of a new youth justice system in Laos.

James Johnston was invited by Unicef New Zealand (United Nations Children’s Fund) to address the delegation, drawing upon his expertise as a Senior Youth Advocate. James has previously been invited by the New Zealand Government to speak at the United Nations on the topic and met last year with Princess Mathilde of the Belgian Royal Family to discuss our youth justice system.

“The delegation were very keen to hear about the differences between the youth justice system and the adult justice system” says Mr Johnston.

“They were also keen to see how they can adapt their existing “village justice” structure to incorporate the role of the family group conference.”

The delegation were very grateful for Mr Johnston’s assistance and indicated keenness to continue dialogue over implementation of the new youth justice system.

Laos is a landlocked country and lies between Thailand, Myanmar, China, Vietnam and Cambodia.