JFJ points to the need for more community based intervention by state agents

Human rights lobby group Jamaicans for Justice (JFJ) has noted the need for more community based intervention by state agents, as part of efforts to improve the trust level of citizens.

The issue was highlighted by JFJ Executive Director Mickel Jackson at The Mico University College while giving a report on a recent survey.

The Citizens’ Rights, Roles, Responsibilities and Practices Survey 2025 was undertaken over a 3 year period by The Mico Foundation in collaboration with JFJ and the European Union.

It examined public awareness, perceptions and experiences relating to citizens’ rights and responsibilities, including interactions with public institutions and law enforcement, as well as issues of accountability, civic participation, domestic violence and access to justice.

Citing the findings of the survey, Ms. Jackson lamented that while many citizens were aware of their rights, many shied away from reporting violations and this is a matter that needs to be addressed.

She noted that the root causes of not reporting violations vary and include a low level of trust.

She said the Mico survey findings corroborate the findings of another survey, the Latin American Public Opinion Poll. 

She called for more reasoning with citizens.