Juvenile Laws at Djibouti
Djibouti's juvenile justice system has undergone significant reforms aimed at better protecting the rights and well-being of minors involved in legal matters. The government has demonstrated a strong commitment to aligning with international standards, notably by being among the first countries to ratify the Convention on the Rights of the Child.
Key Aspects of Djibouti's Juvenile Justice System:
Legal Framework: In 2015, Djibouti adopted the Child Protection Code for Legal Matters, which outlines comprehensive measures for the protection, assistance, education, and supervision of minors in conflict with the law.
Specialized Judicial Bodies: The establishment of specialized juvenile courts, including the Juvenile Correctional Chamber of the Court of First Instance and the Juvenile Division of the Court of Appeal, ensures that minors are tried in a system tailored to their specific needs. These courts focus on rehabilitation and consider the child's best interests in their proceedings.
Alternative Measures to Detention: Recognizing the importance of alternatives to incarceration, Djibouti's system emphasizes measures such as educational assistance, community service, and probation. Detention is considered a last resort and is used for the shortest time possible.
Rights of the Child: The legal framework ensures that minors have rights to legal representation, protection from ill-treatment, and access to education, among others. These rights are designed to uphold the dignity and worth of the child throughout legal proceedings.
Capacity Building: Efforts have been made to enhance the capacities of justice, security, and social sector personnel through specialized training. This ensures that those involved in the juvenile justice system are equipped to handle cases with the sensitivity and expertise required.
Despite these advancements, challenges such as limited resources and the need for further capacity building persist. Ongoing efforts are essential to fully realize the objectives of the juvenile justice reforms and to ensure that the rights and needs of minors are consistently met.
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