The Speaker of the National Assembly addresses the Fourth International GNH & Law Conference on Criminal Justice & Happiness
The Speaker of the National Assembly, Hon. Lungten Dorji addressed the Fourth International GNH & Law Conference on Criminal Justice & Happiness held today at the JSW Law School in Pangbisa, Paro. A book on the Principles of Criminal Justice: ‘A Treatise on the Penal Code of Bhutan’, and the JSW Journals of Law and Policy were also launched.
The Speaker in his address reflected a strong commitment to aligning Bhutan’s justice system with its unique Gross National Happiness (GNH) philosophy, which emphasizes well-being, societal harmony, and holistic development. By focusing on topics like drug policy reform, juvenile justice, and prison rehabilitation, the Speaker advocated for a shift away from punitive measures and towards more restorative practices. This approach, which prioritizes rehabilitation, social integration, and restorative justice, underscores the importance of healing and societal reintegration, rather than simply punishing offenders.
The Speaker also emphasized the value of expert insights, both from international and national sources, to ensure that Bhutan’s legal reforms are grounded in best practices while remaining deeply rooted in Bhutanese cultural values. This balance between global expertise and local tradition is crucial for shaping a justice system that is both effective and culturally relevant.
The Speaker concluded with a call to create a justice system that not only addresses crime and sentencing but also contributes to the border goals of societal harmony, healing, and overall well-being of citizens, in true alignment with Bhutan’s GNH framework. Reaffirming Bhutan’s commitment to a justice system that not only promotes fairness but also happiness and well-being for all. Further, imploring that the discussions and insights arising from this conference will serve as recommendations and inform ongoing legislative reforms, aimed at creating a more compassionate and equitable criminal justice system in Bhutan
