Justice, Development and Peace/Caritas Commission (JDPC) – Catholic Archdiocese of Jos

The Justice, Development and Peace/Caritas Commission (JDPC) of the Catholic Archdiocese of Jos stands as the Church’s social arm, committed to the advancement of human dignity, justice, peace, and sustainable development. The Commission operates not only within the boundaries of the Archdiocese but also extends its influence through its role as host to both the provincial and archdiocesan offices, making it a strategic center for the promotion of Catholic Social Teaching in Plateau State and beyond.

The JDPC embodies the Church’s preferential option for the poor and marginalized by serving all people, regardless of religious affiliation, ethnicity, or background. Its services are accessible to Catholics, Christians of other denominations, Muslims, and adherents of other faiths. In doing so, the Commission models the inclusive love of Christ and actively contributes to the building of a more just, equitable, and peaceful society.

Vision and Mission

At the heart of the JDPC’s mission is the promotion of justice, equality, and human dignity, enabling individuals and communities to achieve integral development and fulfillment in life. The Commission envisions a society where every person can live in peace, enjoy equal opportunities, and have access to the resources necessary for human flourishing.

Legal Status and Partnerships

The JDPC operates as a non-profit, faith-based organization, duly registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) of Nigeria under the name: “Social Justice and Human Development for Peace Initiative.”

Through this legal framework, the Commission is able to form collaborative partnerships with local, national, and international development organizations, NGOs, donor agencies, and faith-based institutions that share its vision of justice, peace, and the common good.

A Beacon of Hope

In all its efforts, the JDPC reflects the social mission of the Catholic Church — to be a voice for the voiceless, a defender of the oppressed, and a source of hope for the downtrodden. Its presence in the Archdiocese of Jos has not only enriched the lives of individuals and communities but has also contributed significantly to the transformation of society.

The Commission remains steadfast in its commitment to building a peaceful, just, and inclusive world, where every human being is valued, protected, and given the opportunity to thrive.

The Archdiocese houses both the provincial and archdiocesan offices. This commission is responsible for the social development of the Church whose beneficiaries are not only Catholics nor Christians, but Muslims and peoples of other faiths. The vision is to promote justice, equality, human dignity and assist people to find fulfillment in life. The JDPC engages in human rights and legal aids, good governance, peace building, care for children, prison ministry, women empowerment programme, emergency preparedness and response training programme, and  rural/urban water agricultural development. The organisation is non-profit and is registered with Corporate Affairs Commission of Nigeria with the name “Social Justice and Human Development for Peace Initiative” and is open to other partners whose vision is to seek a peaceful world 

Core Areas of Intervention

The JDPC carries out its mission through diverse and well-structured programs aimed at addressing the spiritual, social, legal, and economic challenges facing individuals and communities. Its major areas of intervention include:

1. Human Rights Advocacy and Legal Aid: Providing free legal representation and awareness campaigns on basic human rights, particularly for the indigent, women, and vulnerable groups.
2. Good Governance and Civic Education: Engaging citizens and government on issues of transparency, accountability, voter education, and democratic participation.
3. Peacebuilding and Conflict Resolution: Facilitating interfaith dialogue, community mediation, and capacity-building for peace in conflict-prone areas of Plateau State and neighboring regions.
4. Care for Vulnerable Groups: Offering pastoral and material care to children in need, prisoners, internally displaced persons (IDPs), and the elderly.
5. Women Empowerment Programs: Promoting gender equity through vocational training, microcredit schemes, and advocacy for women’s rights and leadership.
6. Emergency Preparedness and Humanitarian Response: Coordinating relief efforts during natural disasters, conflicts, and other emergencies, while also training communities in resilience and disaster response.
7. Sustainable Agriculture and Water Development: Supporting rural and urban communities through improved access to clean water, sustainable farming techniques, and livelihood support initiatives.