Parliament has successfully passed the Child Justice Act 2024 and the Fiji Child Care and Protection Act 2024. Minister for Women, Children, and Social Protection, Lynda Tabuya, emphasized that these new laws represent a significant shift away from outdated perspectives that have kept crime rates stagnant and neglected the rights of children.
Ms. Tabuya highlighted that the Child Justice Act is designed to prevent children accused of crimes from re-offending and to help them become productive members of society. The Act is based on scientific research that identifies the underlying reasons children encounter legal issues and offers solutions.
A key feature of this legislation is the increased focus on diversion tactics and raising the age of criminal responsibility, aligning it with the provisions of the Fiji Child Care and Protection Bill. Together, these laws create a robust framework aimed at safeguarding and nurturing children, ensuring that they receive the necessary support and protection.
The Child Care and Protection Act lays the groundwork for children’s rights and welfare, establishing essential safeguards against abuse and neglect. It stresses the importance of providing children with safe, loving family environments conducive to their development. Meanwhile, the Child Justice Act complements these protections by emphasizing rehabilitation over punishment, focusing on understanding the circumstances that lead to youth offenses.
In her remarks, Ms. Tabuya also addressed her ministerial colleagues from the police and justice sectors, committing to support them in the necessary cultural and policy transformations this new law demands. She urged police officers to engage safely with children, emphasizing the importance of understanding their situations and collaborating with her staff on diversion strategies. Additionally, she underlined the importance of training for legal professionals and law enforcement in applying the principles of this new legislation.
This legislation marks a hopeful and progressive step towards ensuring that children’s rights are respected and that they receive opportunities for rehabilitation rather than punishment, creating a safer and more nurturing environment for future generations in Fiji.
In summary, the passage of these acts signals a commitment to transforming the judicial and social frameworks surrounding children’s welfare and justice, making it clear that the future of Fiji’s youth is a priority for lawmakers.
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