WILLEMSTAD – The Joint Court of Justice has expanded interpreter assistance to cover all types of legal proceedings, ensuring that every litigant can express themselves in one of Curaçao’s three official languages: English, Dutch, or Papiamentu. The Court will cover the costs of this service.
The expansion is part of a pilot program that launched this week and will run for six months. While interpreters were previously used in certain cases, this practice will now be systematically applied to all hearings. The initiative aims to improve accessibility and equality in the judicial system.
Curaçao recognizes three official languages, as established in the National Ordinance on Official Languages. These languages are also the working languages of the Joint Court of Justice and the Court of First Instance of Curaçao, as stated in the Kingdom Act on the Joint Court of Justice. By providing interpreters, all parties involved in legal proceedings can fully express themselves in their preferred language.
Breaking Barriers
Until now, interpreter services were mainly provided in criminal cases and certain family law procedures, such as divorces. In other cases, individuals had to arrange and pay for an interpreter themselves, which was often a financial burden, especially for those with limited resources. With the introduction of this pilot program, interpreter assistance is now available in all legal cases, free of charge.
For years, lawyers and legal professionals have called for a structural improvement in the accessibility of court proceedings. They argue that people can only fully exercise their legal rights if they understand the proceedings and can clearly express themselves. A lack of comprehension can hinder a person’s ability to defend themselves, potentially affecting the fairness of the legal process.
Cultural Awareness in Justice
Beyond language barriers, cultural differences also play a role in legal proceedings. Experts emphasize that understanding local customs and traditions is essential for ensuring fair and well-founded court rulings.
Lawyers have encouraged the Court to familiarize judges and legal professionals with the local culture and customs. This approach would not only make the legal system linguistically accessible but also ensure that court rulings align with the lived experiences of Curaçao’s residents.
Towards a Permanent Solution
The pilot program is part of the Court’s broader efforts to enhance the quality of justice. During the trial period, special attention will be given to case scheduling and the efficient deployment of interpreters. The ultimate goal is to make interpreter assistance a permanent feature, ensuring that language is never a barrier in the judicial process.