Bahrain is committed to safeguarding children, enhancing their welfare and protecting them from mistreatment.
Justice, Islamic Affairs and Endowments Minister Nawaf Al Maawda underscored the 2021 Juvenile Justice Law, describing it as a milestone in the country’s efforts.
Mr Al Maawda
He stressed that the law has been aligned with national priorities and international standards, ensuring that children’s rights are protected in every respect.
The minister’s remarks were made in response to a question presented by Shura Council member Hala Fayez regarding the law’s implementation and its impact on child protection efforts.
Ms Fayez
“The Juvenile Justice Law represents a forward-thinking approach to criminal justice for children, addressing their unique needs as essential members of society today and in the future,” said Mr Al Maawda.
“The law introduces advanced mechanisms for protecting children, moving beyond punitive measures to embrace rehabilitation and safeguarding practices in full compliance with international conventions,” he added.
“The law, which reflects Bahrain’s legislative and institutional advancements in child welfare, sets a broader scope for protecting children from mistreatment and addressing their vulnerabilities effectively.
“It embodies a civilised vision that strengthens Bahrain’s commitment to nurturing and protecting its younger generations.”
He added that to ensure the law’s success, the ministry collaborated closely with key interested parties, including the Supreme Judicial Council, the Public Prosecution, the Interior, and Social Development Ministries and other relevant entities.
“The ministry has taken a series of measures to fulfil the law’s procedural requirements,” said Mr Al Maawda.
“Key initiatives include the formation of a Judicial Committee for Childhood, which is tasked with examining cases involving children at risk or those subjected to mistreatment, referred by the Child Prosecution Unit in the Public Prosecution.
“In addition, specialised experts in social and psychological fields have been appointed to support the operations of juvenile justice courts and the Judicial Committee for Childhood.
“These experts conduct detailed assessments of children’s cases and circumstances, providing comprehensive reports that guide judicial decisions.
“The experts also oversee the implementation of court-mandated measures and regularly monitor children’s progress to address the root causes of their challenges.”
Mr Al Maawda said the ministry has also allocated significant resources to establish and equip specialised juvenile courts.
“These courts have been designed to meet international standards, creating a child-friendly environment that prioritises rehabilitation and care,” he said.
“The issuance of the law’s executive regulations has also clarified procedural frameworks, providing clear rules and mechanisms for implementing its provisions.
“One of the most notable achievements is the correction of behaviours among children subjected to alternative measures, which proves the effectiveness of these interventions in rehabilitation and reform.”
He said that the implementation of alternative measures has also led to a tangible reduction in the number of cases brought before juvenile courts and the Judicial Committee for Childhood.
“This decrease reflects the success of preventive and rehabilitative pathways introduced by the law, which aim to correct behaviour without resorting to traditional courtroom proceedings,” said Mr Al Maawda.
“Moreover, the law has contributed to greater societal awareness of child protection issues, including the forms and consequences of mistreatment. “Public understanding of children’s legal rights and protections has significantly improved, highlighting the importance of safeguarding children from harm.”
He said that the Juvenile Justice Law has earned praise from regional and international organisations as a progressive legislative tool that aligns with global standards, particularly the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, which Bahrain ratified in 1991.
“The law is a testament to Bahrain’s commitment to upholding the highest standards of child protection, as outlined in international treaties,” said the minister.
“The role of the law in enhancing the expertise of professionals involved in child welfare, including law enforcement officers, social workers, psychologists, prosecutors, and judges were all vital in progress,” he added.
“The alternative measures introduced by the law have benefited children from various legal backgrounds, including those accused of minor offenses, those at risk, and those who have experienced mistreatment.
“Performance indicators reveal that the majority of children who underwent alternative measures have shown genuine improvement, thanks to the rehabilitative nature of these interventions.”
The minister reiterated Bahrain’s commitment to building a safer, more supportive environment for children, emphasising that the law represents a crucial step towards achieving this vision.
“By investing in our children’s welfare and protection, we are investing in the future of our nation.”
Shura Council members will be notified about the written reply during their weekly session on Sunday.
mohammed@gdnmedia.bh
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