South Asians for Human Rights

Promoting Democracy, Upholding Human Rights

Published in firstpost.com on Aug. 07 :: 

UNICEF India today expressed concern over the amendments to the Juvenile Justice Act, under

which minors above the age of 16 involved in a serious crime can be tried in an adult court, and said such a decision was a “real step back”.

The Union Cabinet yesterday cleared the Juvenile Justice Bill, under which a minor above 16 years involved in a serious crime could be tried in an adult court if the Juvenile Justice Board decides so.

“The recent Union Cabinet approval of the Juvenile Justice Act amendment to empower the Juvenile Justice Board to decide whether a juvenile above the age of 16 years involved in a heinous crime is to be tried in a regular court, constitutes a real step back,” said a statement by UNICEF today.

With the enactment of the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act in 2000, India’s juvenile justice legislations was brought in line with the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) and international standards, focussing on some of the key principles of juvenile justice which deprivation of liberty as last resort, restorative and reformative justice, diversion and alternative sentencing, and separate protection structures and qualified personnel.

The UN CRC (article 40.1) states that children who are accused of offences should be tried separately from adults “in a manner consistent with the child’s sense of dignity and worth”.

This is further supported through international standards like the Beijing Rules and the Riyadh Guidelines laying out procedures for the administration of juvenile justice and prevention of juvenile delinquency.

“Worldwide, evidence shows that the process of judicial waiver or transfer of juvenile cases to adult courts have not resulted in reduction of crime or recidivism. Instead, investments in a working system of treatment and rehabilitation of children have shown to lead to better results in reducing recidivism,” said Louis-Georges Arsenault, UNICEF Country Representative.

Arsenault assured continued commitment to support the Government in strengthening the system. He also called for reformative measures for all juveniles up to 18 years, irrespective of the nature of their offence, with an explicitly mentioned maximum period of sentencing, guaranteed with periodic reviews and revision of orders.

“We also look forward to continue work with the Government of India and other partners to strengthen
prevention through stronger child protection systems,” he said.

Meanwhile, a statement released by CRY said, “We strongly condemn all sexual violence, be it by adults or juveniles, none of which can be justified by any means whatsoever.

“But we also condemn pitching human rights of women against the human rights of children since that will not provide an answer to creating a healthy society. We are extremely disappointed and concerned whether this repeal of JJ bill will actually serve the purpose.

CRY further demanded that a Parliamentary Standing Committee should be formed who can evaluate evidence from different perspectives and stakeholders.

“We hope the members of parliament as responsible citizens and decision-makers, do initiate a detailed debate, considering it will have a far-reaching impact on these children. It is crucial that a parliamentary standing committee is formed who can evaluate evidence from different perspectives and stakeholders,” CRY said.

Source: http://www.firstpost.com/india/unicef-india-concerned-amendments-juvenile-justice-act-1654833.html