Juvenile Laws at Lebanon
Lebanon's juvenile justice system is structured to prioritize the protection and rehabilitation of minors in conflict with the law. Here's an overview of its key components:
⚖️ Legal Framework
Law No. 422/2002 – Protection of Juveniles: This law defines a "juvenile in conflict with the law" as an individual under 18 who commits a criminal offense. It outlines specific rights during investigations, sentencing, and detention, emphasizing the child's best interests
Juvenile Court System: Lebanon has specialized juvenile courts that handle criminal and civil cases related to minors. These courts focus on rehabilitation and may impose non-custodial measures such as probation or supervised freedom. In cases involving both minors and adults, the minor is prosecuted in the juvenile court, which then determines the appropriate sanctions
🏛 Juvenile Court Procedures
Specialized Juvenile Courts:These courts are responsible for examining all criminal and civil cases related to minors. They apply procedures adapted to the needs of juveniles, ensuring that their rights are protected throughout the judicial process
Non-Custodial Measures:The juvenile courts emphasize non-depriving of liberty measures, such as public reprimand and supervised freedom, over incarceration. This approach aligns with international standards for juvenile justice
🛡 Rights and Safeguards
Right to Legal Representation The presence of a lawyer is compulsory during criminal trials involving juveniles. If the juvenile's family does not secure legal representation, the court may assign a lawyer or request one from the lawyer's syndicate
Protection from Abuse The law mandates that juveniles be held in facilities separate from adults and prohibits their detention in adult police stations. However, reports indicate instances where juveniles are held in adult facilities, raising concerns about the implementation of these protections
🏢 Juvenile Detention Conditions
*Detention Facilities: Lebanon lacks dedicated juvenile detention centers in some regions, leading to juveniles being held in police stations, sometimes alongside adults. These facilities often do not adhere to international standards for the treatment of juveniles deprived of their liberty
*Monitoring and Oversight: The National Human Rights Commission has reported violations in juvenile detention centers, including failure to verify juvenile age, temporary detention in adult police stations, and interrogations without juvenile representatives. These findings highlight the need for improved oversight and adherence to legal safeguards
🌍 International Commitments
*Convention on the Rights of the Child: Lebanon ratified this international treaty in 1991, committing to uphold the rights of children, including those in conflict with the law. The country's juvenile justice laws are intended to align with the principles set forth in the Convention
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While Lebanon has established a legal framework for juvenile justice that emphasizes rehabilitation and the protection of minors' rights, challenges remain in ensuring consistent implementation and adherence to international standad. Ongoing efforts are needed to address gaps in detention conditions and safeguard the rights of juveniles throughout the judicial procss.
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