EUKN - European Urban Knowledge Network - Removing the prejudices of Moroccans towards the Dutch judicial institutions

Removing the prejudices of Moroccans towards the Dutch judicial institutions

Introduction

Staff in judicial institutions are often unable to understand Moroccan clients. In the Utrecht project InSight, Moroccan volunteers, called the key figures, try to remove the prejudices of the Moroccans and smooth the way for judicial institutions. In this way, criminal behaviour by young Moroccans is prevented and combated.

Problem

How can the confidence of the Moroccan community in the police and law enforcement department be improved?

Description

The key figures enjoy the respect and confidence of the Moroccan community. They appear to be well able to remove misunderstandings about the methods of the police and justice department. Hence, a better basis for collaboration between Moroccan residents and these institutions is created. The participants in the network, key figures and representatives of the police and law enforcement meet regularly. They show each other the ropes and hence create mutual trust, such that mutual prejudices can be eradicated.

Approach

The project InSight was set up as a pilot project by the Utrecht Multicultural Institute (now Alleato, Centre for Societal Development). In September 2004, the City of Utrecht officially established the InSight network. The Council for Child Protection, the Juvenile Probation Service, the Halt-office, the police and key Moroccan figures, amongst others, participate in the network.

Results

The discussions between the Moroccan key figures and judicial institutions are proceeding well and the atmosphere is very positive.
Trust between the Moroccan community and judicial institutions has grown and that confidence is passed on within the Moroccan community.
The communication problems that prevailed have been reasonably solved.

Learning experiences

Problems such as Moroccan girls running away from home turned out to be much more extensive than previously thought. Now it seems that many problems were consciously kept from the institutions by the Moroccan community.
The judicial institutions must take more account of the feelings of honour and shame that play a role in the Moroccan community.
There is a need for Moroccan girls to receive shelter from their own community when they have problems, for example, in Moroccan foster homes.

Financing

The Ministry of Justice funded the Utrecht pilot that preceded the official establishment. Minister Verdonk handed the network over to Mayor Brouwer of Utrecht. Because the financial basis has not yet been determined, she appealed to Mayor Brouwer to keep network running.

Contact info

Alleato, Centre for Societal Development
Sigrid Hjelmevoll, tel. +31 30 2313833

Project start date

01/09/2004

Links

Alleato, Centre for Societal Development (in Dutch)

Document type

case

Themes

Urban Policy > Social inclusion & integration > Integration of social groups

Keywords

Ethnic minorities