IN-CJ Podcast 003 – The Future for International Development in Criminal Justice Seminar Two Part Two
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This is the second webinar for the International Network for Criminal Justice Development. Part Two of this session had contributions from Ioan Durnescu from the University of Bucharest, Rumania and a Q&A with Saule Mektepbayeva, who works for the United Nation in New York, USA.
This seminar focused on the rapid development of probation and community sanctions across Europe, and the broader role of international organisations in shaping justice reform. Moderated by John Scott, the discussion featured a keynote presentation from Professor Ioan Donescu (University of Bucharest), with responses from contributors across the IN-CJ network.
Ioan highlighted probation as one of the most significant innovations in criminal justice over the last three decades, particularly in Central and Eastern Europe. He noted how European institutions such as the Council of Europe and the European Commission played pivotal roles in promoting standards, funding projects, and supporting penal policy transfer. The rapid establishment of probation services in countries such as Croatia and Slovenia demonstrated how international cooperation can accelerate reform, allowing systems to develop in years what took others decades.
At the same time, Ioan warned of weaknesses in this process. Too often, reforms relied on “copying” models from other jurisdictions without sufficient cultural adaptation. Many projects were time-limited, leading to unsustainable innovations that disappeared once funding ended. Challenges such as managerialism, electronic monitoring, and the dominance of risk assessment models raised further questions about how probation’s values of rehabilitation and human rights could be safeguarded.
The discussion widened to consider the role of international organisations such as the United Nations in promoting reform post-COVID, the importance of communication strategies and language in international exchanges, and the need to learn from experiences beyond Europe. Participants noted that sustainability, legitimacy, and inclusivity must be at the heart of international development if reforms are to endure.
Closing reflections from Rob Canton emphasised the importance of institutionalising change, embedding ethical practice, and recognising the gendered dimensions of justice reform. He also stressed that while European cooperation has been central, the IN-CJ network must avoid becoming Eurocentric, instead seeking lessons and voices from other regions of the world.
This session confirmed probation’s place as a cornerstone of international criminal justice reform, while highlighting the need for careful adaptation, long-term sustainability, and truly global dialogue.
