Juvenile Laws at Cambodia
Cambodia's juvenile justice system has undergone significant reforms in recent years, shifting focus from punitive measures to rehabilitation and diversion.
Key Legal Framework:
Juvenile Justice Law (2017): Enacted to reform the juvenile justice system, this law emphasizes diversion over detention, aiming to redirect young offenders from formal judicial proceedings to community-based solutions.
Strategic Initiatives:
Juvenile Justice Law Strategic and Operational Plan (JJLSOP): Developed collaboratively by the Ministry of Social Affairs, Veterans and Youth Rehabilitation (MoSVY), the Ministry of Justice (MoJ), and the Ministry of Interior (MoI), with UNICEF's support, this plan aims to establish a sustainable and effective juvenile justice system. It focuses on areas such as coordination, education, diversion, reintegration, and monitoring.
Recent Developments:
Diversion Programs: In November 2022, Siem Reap province implemented Cambodia's first diversion orders, allowing four children accused of theft to participate in community-based programs instead of facing detention. This initiative marked a significant milestone in the country's juvenile justice reform.
Establishment of Juvenile Courts: As of August 2022, Cambodia expressed intentions to establish specialized juvenile courts to handle cases involving minors. However, the implementation has been delayed due to resource constraints, including the need for more judges and prosecutors.
Challenges and Ongoing Efforts:
Overcrowding in Detention Facilities: Despite reforms, Cambodian prisons continue to hold a significant number of juveniles. As of 2015, there were 504 juveniles, including 28 girls, within the prison system.
Resource Limitations: The establishment of specialized juvenile courts and comprehensive diversion programs faces challenges due to limited human and financial resources.
Implementation of Diversion Measures: While diversion is a legal option, its application has been limited. Initiatives like those by This Life Cambodia are working to expand diversion programs, offering alternatives to detention and supporting reintegration into society.
In summary, Cambodia is actively reforming its juvenile justice system to prioritize diversion and rehabilitation. While progress has been made, ongoing efforts are needed to address challenges related to resources, infrastructure, and the consistent application of diversion measures.
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