Haiti launches project to improve juvenile justice system
Key Points(5)
- Haiti has launched a project aimed at strengthening the juvenile justice system for the promotion and protection of the rights of children in conflict with the law in the southern section of the French-speaking Caribbean country.
- <strong>Funded by European Union</strong> The Terre des Hommes Foundation, in partnership with state and non-state institutions launched the project that is being funded by the European Union.
- The launch coincided with the 28th anniversary of the Convention on the Rights of the Child.
- Dean of the Civil Court of Les Cayes, Pierre Ezekiel Vaval, noted that while juvenile delinquency is an issue here there are very few courts and juvenile judges in the country.
- <strong>No children’s judges </strong> “There are no children’s judges, and we have only two children’s courts for the whole country,” he said.
Haiti has launched a project aimed at strengthening the juvenile justice system for the promotion and protection of the rights of children in conflict with the law in the southern section of the French-speaking Caribbean country.
Funded by European Union
The Terre des Hommes Foundation, in partnership with state and non-state institutions launched the project that is being funded by the European Union. The launch coincided with the 28th anniversary of the Convention on the Rights of the Child.
Dean of the Civil Court of Les Cayes, Pierre Ezekiel Vaval, noted that while juvenile delinquency is an issue here there are very few courts and juvenile judges in the country.
No children’s judges
“There are no children’s judges, and we have only two children’s courts for the whole country,” he said.
Dr. Iceland Georges Cadet of the Terre des Hommes Foundation said “the project is closely linked to the principles of the International Convention on the Rights of the Child, focusing on the best interests of children, confidentiality and respect for their rights.
From dysfunctional families
“Several scientific studies have shown that the majority of children in conflict with the law come from dysfunctional families,” she said, noting the studies have also shown the developmental period when the child is much more likely to become a delinquent is during adolescence.
The organizers said that the new project will take into account three main pillars: the child and his family; community participation and the active involvement of state actors in order to combine the efforts of all stakeholders.
It will be implemented by Terre des Hommes and the Office of Human Rights in Haiti.
