PNG CABINET APPROVES INTRODUCTION OF PROPOSED JUVENILE JUSTICE BILL IN PARLIAMENT

PNG Parliament . Photo: pngparliament.gov.pg

The National Executive Council has recently endorsed a proposed Juvenile Justice bill to be introduced in Parliament this year. Prime Minister Peter O’Neill said Cabinet approved an Act titled Juvenile Justice Bill 2014 for introduction in the next Parliament sitting.

Prime Minister Hon. Peter O’Neill said Papua New Guinea does not have a comprehensive juvenile justice system.

“The current Juvenile Courts Act 1991 has major challenges in the area of juvenile reforms, including inadequate reflection of concepts and innovations such as diversion and restorative justice. It also lacks a statement of general principles.

“The National Law & Justice sector policy approved by NEC in August 2001, highlights restorative justice as the foundation for PNG’s future law and justice programs. Juvenile Justice was identified as a priority area for reform,” he said.

The Prime Minister said the aim of the proposed bill is to build on the Juvenile Courts Act 1991 by establishing a system of remedies, protection and cautions including restorative justice for dealing with juvenile offenders.

“More importantly, it will establish preventive measures to rehabilitate and reintegrate offenders into the community and facilitate timely steps to protect the rights of children and guide them to become better citizens,” Prime Minister Hon. Peter O’Neill said.

The proposed bill promotes:

- Diversions and mediation, drawn from traditional Melanesian and restorative justice values as an alternative to imprisonment;

- Rehabilitation;

- Fast-track police processing of juvenile cases and the reduction of unnecessary pre-trial detention;

- The prevention of the abuse of juveniles within the criminal justice system;

- Separate and upgrade Correctional Services and Police lock-up facilities for juveniles;

- Increased monitoring of juvenile conditions within Police lock-ups and CS facilities through inspections by Juvenile Court Magistrates; and

- Training of Juvenile police officers and voluntary Juvenile Court officers.

Prime Minister Hon. Peter O’Neill said the proposed bill and the related consequential amendment bills to the Lukautim Pikinini (Child) Act 2009, Criminal Code Act 1974, Correctional Services Act 1995 and Village Courts Act 1989 are needed in order to address the special needs for children who come into conflict with the law.

PNG Today / PNC