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Mitigating corruption in informal justice systems: NGO experiences in Bangladesh and Sierra Leone

Informal justice systems are the principal mechanism for dispute resolution in many societies, but they suffer from two drawbacks. First, in individual cases, well-off and/or well-connected individuals may engage in transactional corruption, distorting justice processes and outcomes. Second, over time, elites may use their control over these systems to perpetuate their power, status, and financial advantage, resulting in systematic unfairness that is closely linked to transactional corruption. As shown by experiences in Bangladesh and Sierra Leone, nongovernmental organisations often can work with, adapt, or modify informal justice systems to reduce corruption and unfairness and increase positive development outcomes.

31 January 2014
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Mitigating corruption in informal justice systems: NGO experiences in Bangladesh and Sierra Leone

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Golub, S.; (2014) Mitigating corruption in informal justice systems: NGO experiences in Bangladesh and Sierra Leone. Bergen: U4 Anti-Corruption Resource Centre, Chr. Michelsen Institute (U4 Brief null)

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About the author

Stephen Golub

Stephen Golub is an international development scholar and consultant with more than 25 years of experience in over 40 countries, working in such fields as legal empowerment, access to justice, civil society, countering corruption, and violent extremism.

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