Juvenile Laws at Palestine
Here’s an overview of the juvenile justice system in Palestine, focusing primarily on the West Bank under the Palestinian Authority:
⚖️ Legal Framework
Juvenile Protection Law No. 4 of 2016:
This is the primary legislation governing juvenile justice in the West Bank. It replaced outdated laws dating back to the British Mandate and Jordanian rule.
Key features include:
Raising the age of criminal responsibility to 12 years.
Establishing juvenile courts with specialized judges and prosecutors.
Emphasizing rehabilitation and reintegration over punishment.
Incorporating diversion programs and alternatives to detention.
([source: UNICEF & DCIP reports])
Gaza Strip:
Governed by older British Mandate laws (like the Juvenile Offenders Ordinance of 1937) and modified by Hamas-led authorities. The laws here are not fully aligned with international standards.
🏛 Juvenile Court System
Specialized juvenile courts have been established in major cities in the West Bank.
Detention is considered a last resort, and courts are encouraged to issue alternative measures such as community service, rehabilitation programs, or conditional release.
Children are guaranteed legal representation, and hearings are held in child-friendly environments.
🚸 Age of Criminal Responsibility
12 years old is the minimum age at which a child can be held criminally liable under the 2016 law in the West Bank.
🧒 Rights & Protection of Children
The 2016 law enshrines:
Right to a fair trial and legal counsel.
Right to privacy during judicial proceedings.
Family involvement throughout the process.
Prohibition of physical or psychological abuse during arrest or detention.
🚨 Detention & Rehabilitation
Facilities include rehabilitation centers rather than conventional prisons.
NGOs such as Defence for Children International – Palestine (DCIP) have reported challenges including:
Inconsistent implementation of juvenile protections.
Reports of ill-treatment during arrest by security forces (particularly in East Jerusalem or by Israeli authorities).
🇮🇱 Situation in East Jerusalem & Under Israeli Jurisdiction
Palestinian children in East Jerusalem or in Area C of the West Bank often fall under Israeli military law.
Israeli military law sets the age of criminal responsibility at 12, but military courts have been widely criticized for:
Using administrative detention.
Holding children without access to lawyers or parents during interrogation.
Failing to meet international juvenile justice standards. ([source: Human Rights Watch, B’Tselem, DCIP])
RELATED Blog
0 comments