Few days back, I recieved a report of an acitivity "National StakeHolders Conference on Juvenile Justice System in Pakistan" by Society For the Human Rights and Prisoners Aid (SHARP) quite interesting for me due to its topic, unfortunately I couldnot attend this conference due to a very hectic schedule in December-12 when it was held, This report shows valuable suggestions and recommendations for improvement of the legal system for Juveniles (Person less than 18 in conflict with law)
The executive summary of this report shows the problems which are
being faced by this population, the number
mentioned here is 1500 children behind the bars in jails of Pakistan but in my
point of view, it doesnot mean 1500 children for a year, infact an ordinary day
an average number of children in Pakistani Jails is on average round
about1500.
Exactly how many children go to jails for one day or one night
annually, unfortunately we don’t have calculations as such. Situation in jails
is very pethatic like they live without basic necessary facilities, no legal
epresentation, face exploitation, abuse, inhuman punishments and life threats
some times.
(A documentary which reveals the suffering of children in
jails of Pakistan; https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=559848604040565 )
The Recommendations are much practical and doable and more or less
we had same recommendations from sub-ordinate Judiciary of Punjab and Sindh
during consultative sessions in SANJOG.
Briefly mentioning here the suggestions according to report:
Briefly mentioning here the suggestions according to report:
- MIS, Database to record the children coming in and going out from judicial system of Pakistan
- Consolidation of child Related national and provincial Laws
- Legislative measures to improve of Juvenile justice System Ordinance2000 and other related laws
- The capacity building of Prison, Police and Judicial Staff
- Increase in the minimum age of criminal responsibility
- Determination of Age of a juvenile should be made scientifically
- Awareness raising of All the children regarding Legal Rights
- Appointment of Child Protection officer in Each Police Station
- The Minimum trial period for children in conflict with law
- Setting up of Juvenile Courts in all the cities
- Restorative sentencing instead of penalizing should be promoted
- Establishment of more Borstal schools/Institutes
- recreational activities for prisoned children
- Involvement of civil society for rehabilitation of juveniles
- Improvement in Probation system
- Activation of Police Liaison committees
Few important suggestions;
+ Launching of National Juvenile Policy , Funds allocation for its
implementation
+ Panel of Lawyers in every district to provide free legal aid
+Appointment of Child Protection Police Officers for Juvenile’s
Cases
+Maintenance of records and data related to Juveniles
+Extension of JJSO to the FATA, PATA and the FANA
+Release of children abducted under FCR
+Conclusion of pending case in Supreme Court related to the
fate of JJSO 2000
I appreciate the efforts of
SHARP and It very good from their platform having the big number of stakeholder
on board, but I am not agree only with the recommendation segregated areas
within the existing jails, as I believe the word jail should not be associated with
any child (under 18) to avoid the stigma attach with it.The consideration on juvenile justice system in Pakistan is needed but unfortunately no provinical government, no fedral and not even independent judiciary is considering it since 2000.
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