STUDENTS HAVE been encouraged to approach conflicts in a peaceful manner to prevent them from escalating to harmful levels, by Minister of Justice Delroy Chuck.

“Students, make sure that you find the ways and means to resolve your disagreements and avoid conflicts. I’m very happy that all the schools here have teachers who are trained in restorative justice,” the minister said.

Chuck was addressing students during the second leg of the ministry’s Social Justice Tour – ‘Justice Fi All A Wi’ – held at Rusea’s High School in Hanover on September 20.

The Justice Day in School event was held in collaboration with the Ministry of Education and Youth and the ministry’s Social Justice Division.

“Yes, you’re going to disagree with one another, but if somebody abuses you, even hits you, do not retaliate. Do not take revenge. If necessary, ask the person to apologise, but don’t get into a fight because once you get into a fight, you don’t know where it will end,” Chuck cautioned.

“One of you could easily fall, hit your head, and die. So, it’s very important that when you have disputes and disagreements, and disputes and disagreements are normal everyday activities, you do not fight,” hesaid.

The event was aimed at educating students about various forms of restorative and social-justice methods and organisations.

“Every student here must get to know what restorative justice is. Every student here must get to know about child diversion and get to know about victim services. If you know a student or anyone who has been abused, who is a victim of crime, tell them to go to victim services and get counselling and support,” Chuck encouraged.

He further implored students to be agents of change and encourage their fellow students to improve their approach to conflicts.

Schools from across Hanover that were in attendance included Green Island High, Rhodes Hall High, Hopewell High, and Lucea Primary.

In addition to agencies of the Ministry of Justice, students got information from other organisations such as the Jamaica Constabulary Force and HEART/NSTA Trust, among others.