Manama, October 26 (BNA) Public Prosecutor Dr. Ali bin Fadl Al-Buainain affirmed the Public Prosecution’s intention to effectively implement the Restorative Justice Law for Children and to Protect them from Abuse, which is a model legislation with an enlightened human dimension in the criminal treatment and protection of children.
This is because it includes both procedural and substantive provisions that no judgment, order or action shall be issued against children unless it is based on a thorough study of their social and psychological conditions, as well as ensuring that the highest priority is always said to be given to the best interests of the child.
The Attorney General made these statements while addressing the international workshop on “Prospects and Challenges for the Effective Application of the Restorative Justice Law for Children,” which was held under his auspices, in cooperation with the Institute for Judicial and Legal Studies and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, and with the participation of the British and French embassies in Bahrain.
The two-day event kicked off today, with the participation of more than 200 specialists from different countries, in the presence of the Minister of Justice, Islamic Affairs and Endowments Sheikh Khalid bin Ali Al Khalifa, ambassadors and diplomats.
The workshop was attended by judges, members of the Public Prosecution Office, and international experts and experts.
In his opening speech, Dr. Al-Buainain stressed that the ultimate goal of the Restorative Justice Law for Children is to prioritize the preservation of the best interests of the child.
He pointed out that the workshop will not be limited to providing only objective and procedural details of the law, but will also focus on its application based on its civilized and human dimensions, in line with the approach of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa in developing legislation. in the Kingdom to ensure progress in achieving the comprehensive development process.
The Attorney General said that the high-level participation in the workshop and the continuous constructive cooperation of the ambassadors of friendly countries and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime confirms the serious and intimate steps taken by the Kingdom for its integrated legal development. and the judicial system.
Development is based on the principles of its constitution that guarantee public and private freedoms and rights.
He pointed out that Bahrain has spared no effort during the past years in consolidating justice and strengthening the pillars of the rule of law, noting that recent legislative reviews have resulted in a coherent legal organization and strong institutions concerned with the protection of various human rights. .
Al-Buainain pointed out that the Law on Restorative Justice for Children and their Protection from Abuse is part of the legislative development of the Kingdom, indicating that it aims to support and strengthen the capabilities of the judiciary and relevant executive bodies to achieve sound and effective justice. An effective application that would achieve the purposes of forecasting.
The Attorney General stressed that this law is exemplary in treating children and protecting them from abuse, as it gives priority to the best interests of the child in all provisions, decisions and procedures related to them, and expands the jurisdiction of child protection. Center to ensure optimal protection for them from abuse.
It also affirms the right of children at all stages of investigation and trial to be heard and understand their demands, and to ensure that they are treated in a manner that preserves their dignity and their physical and psychological integrity.
It guarantees the right of the child to enjoy integrated health and social protection, legal aid, and rehabilitation, in line with international principles and standards.
He added that one of the most important distinguishing features of the Restorative Justice Law is that it gave social, psychological and health expertise a coherent role at every stage and in every procedure, as no judgment, order, or action may be issued against it. The child unless it is based on a comprehensive study covering the social, psychological and personal conditions of the child.
Al-Buainain said that since the issuance of the Children’s Correctional Justice Law, the Public Prosecution has worked hard to put in place all the necessary requirements for its implementation.
It includes restructuring the Family and Child Prosecution and enhancing its technical and material capabilities, in addition to establishing the Office of Execution and Aftercare in the Family and Child Prosecution.
The office is responsible for implementing and following up on judgments and orders issued by the Court of Restorative Justice and the Judicial Committee for Childhood established under the new law, and supporting and strengthening the post-child care system in coordination with the relevant authorities. in a manner that ensures the best interests of the children.
During the workshop sessions, speakers, including international experts, academics and members of the judiciary, will speak on many legal and practical topics related to criminal treatment and child protection.
They include approaches to child protection and rights at the stage of investigation and trial, international experiences in the field of restorative justice, basic considerations for choosing appropriate sanctions and measures for the child, and mechanisms for early detection and reporting of cases of violence against children.
It also includes coordination in this regard between the concerned authorities, as well as ensuring the best interests of the child.
This international workshop is one of a series of events organized by the Public Prosecution since the promulgation of the Restorative Justice for Children and Protection from Abuse Law at the beginning of this year, with the aim of strengthening capacities and unifying efforts in order to achieve the effective application of the law to ensure the achievement of its purposes in treating and protecting children.
In a statement to Bahrain News Agency (BNA) on the sidelines of the international workshop, Al-Buainain said that the Restorative Justice Law is a new law in the region, enhancing the Kingdom’s leading position in many fields at the Gulf and Arab levels. .
He stressed that the new law guarantees the ideal treatment for children, and makes psychological and social review imperative in the various stages of cases related to children, stressing that the event is a living evidence of the Kingdom’s progress in the field of human rights. Child care.
The Attorney General indicated that this law represents a giant leap in the field of special care for children and the consolidation of the Kingdom’s international position, expressing his hope that it will motivate other countries to adopt the ideas launched by Bahrain in this regard.
Al-Buainain explained that work has already begun to review the laws issued in all cases related to the age group between 15 and 18 years to develop procedures that take into account the interests of this group.
The aim is to ensure reform in a way that preserves the rights of the child, in line with the objectives of the United Nations.
NS