Justice for every child in Bahrain as restorative justice courts open doors today

TDT | Manama

The Daily Tribune – www.newsofbahrain.com

The juvenile justice system of Bahrain is taking a giant leap today by giving life to a set of new standards and courts that aim to redirect the retributive response of society to crime.  

The restorative Justice courts for children, which opens doors today in the Kingdom, materialises this effort.

Meaning, in going forward, a new higher court and a lower court will be responsible for examining crimes committed by under-18 children.

They will have top priority for the interests of children in all rulings, decisions and procedures related to them, regardless of the authority that issues or executes them.

The decision comes into force as per Law 4/2021 promulgating the Restorative Justice Law for Children and their Protection from Maltreatment, which came into force on August 18.

By implementing the Children’s Restorative Justice Law, Bahrain, under the leadership of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and the support of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and the Prime Minister, affirms its commitment to modernising its legislative and judicial system and enhancing its pioneering achievements in respecting human rights, child care and the consolidation of the rule of law and constitutional institutions.