Examining the role of culturally grounded approaches in youth justice, this study explores the Vanuatu Cultural Centre’s Juvenile Justice Project, which aims to improve the way young offenders are supported by combining customary (kastom) justice with the formal legal system. Recognising that traditional approaches to conflict resolution have long been part of Melanesian societies, the project examines how restorative justice can better meet the needs and rights of young people while reducing reliance on incarceration. Through extensive research and consultation with chiefs, communities, government agencies, the judiciary, police, and young people themselves, the project seeks to develop a national action plan for juvenile justice. The study highlights the importance of recognizing customary justice, increasing awareness of young people’s rights, and creating a more culturally appropriate, restorative, and community-based approach to addressing youth offending in Vanuatu.

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