HM King issues law on corrective justice for children

TDT | Manama

The Daily Tribune – www.newsofbahrain.com

His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa today ratified an issued Law 4/2021 on the promulgation of the Corrective Justice Law for Children and their Protection from Ill-Treatment, which has already been endorsed by the Shura and Representatives Councils.

The law guarantees restorative justice, care and protection from ill-treatment for children. It aims to give top priority to the child’s interests in all rulings, decisions and procedures related to them, regardless of the authority that issues or executes them.

Under the law, “Child Corrective Justice Courts” shall be established to examine criminal cases related to crimes committed by children aged over 15 at the time of the crime.

It also stipulates the establishment of a “Childhood Judicial Committee”, as per an edict issued by the minister responsible for justice. The panel will be tasked with examining cases referred to it by the competent child prosecution in which children have been subject to danger or abuse.

The law also stipulates the establishment of the “Child Protection Centre” at the ministry in charge of social development. The centre shall have a board of directors to be formed every three year. It shall put forward plans and programmes to protect children from ill-treatment.

The law also specifies penalties to be inflicted on those who incite or coerce children to commit crimes, prepare them for that, or assist them in committing them.