Juvenile Laws at Antigua and Barbuda
Antigua and Barbuda's juvenile justice system has undergone significant reforms in recent years, aiming to balance accountability with rehabilitation for young offenders.
Current Legal Framework
Under the existing Child Justice Act (amended in 2018):
Children under 12: Not held criminally responsible.
Children aged 12 and 13: Cannot be imprisoned; alternative measures like counseling or community service are considered.
Children aged 14 and above: Can face imprisonment, but sentences are limited to a maximum of three years.
Proposed Reforms
In response to rising youth-related crimes, the government proposes:
Charging Young Offenders as Adults: Amendments to the Child Justice Act aim to allow youths involved in serious crimes to be treated similarly to adults.
Enforcement of a Juvenile Curfew: A new curfew from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. for minors, with parents facing fines up to XCD$5,000 if violated.
International Collaborations
Antigua and Barbuda collaborates with regional and international partners to enhance its juvenile justice system:
Memorandum of Understanding (MOU): An agreement with the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) and the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) Commission focuses on rehabilitating and reintegrating at-risk youth.
Child Justice Legislation: The Child Justice Act of 2015 raised the minimum age of criminal responsibility from 8 to 12 and introduced restorative justice approaches.
Ongoing Challenges
Despite reforms, challenges persist:
Resource Constraints: Limited resources hinder the full implementation of child-friendly justice measures.
Cultural Practices: Deeply ingrained cultural attitudes may affect the perception and treatment of juvenile offenders.
Addressing these issues requires continuous efforts, including increased funding, training, and public awareness campaigns to ensure the rights and rehabilitation of young individuals within the justice system.
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