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The National Children's Parliament

Adolescent Participation In Development Of The Criminal Justice (Exploitation Of Children In The Commission Of Offences) Bill, 2021 In Belize.

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Table of Contents

Problem Statement

Background

Methods/Actions

Results

Conclusions

Short Video

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Problem Statement

Children have been apart of solving their own problems. Children have become their own advocates.

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Background

Crime and violence is increasingly impacting children in Belize threatening their rights for protection from harm, abuse and exploitation. Children who come in contact with the law, because of negative societal and cultural beliefs and practices, often have limited access to justice and rehabilitation.

The National Children’s Parliament (NCP) sought to address this concern and explored how to deter and penalize adults who engage children in criminal activities.

Children in Belize are being victimized by crime and violence more frequently, putting their right to protection from damage, abuse, and exploitation at jeopardy. Due to harmful societal and cultural practices and attitudes, children who come into contact with the law frequently have limited access to justice and rehabilitation.

According to Family Court judicial statistics[i] in 2015, the most common crime for which juveniles came in conflict with the law was for drug possession, and the second was burglary. The frequency of these crimes among young people has brought even more attention to the need for programs that address the socioeconomic and psychosocial conditions that unintentionally encourage juvenile delinquency. Additionally, it implies that grownups are implicated in kidnapping and enlisting kids in criminal activity.

The National Children’s Parliament (NCP) sought to address this concern and explored how to deter and penalize adults who engage children in criminal activities.

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Methods/Action

A desk review of existing laws was conducted by the members of the NCP.

Several consultations and meetings were held to discuss the information and draft the Bill.

The Bill was developed to provide protection for vulnerable children in Belize who may be at risk of being recruited or groomed.

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Results:

Children effectively lobbied for their protection from predators and raised awareness of the problem for further action by Government. The Bill was debated during the National Children’s Parliament on

20 November 2021.

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Conclusions:

The laws protecting vulnerable children need to be strengthened and children, when supported can be advocates and participate in demanding their rights.

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Thank you!