Ensuring Education and Justice for Juvenile Offenders in Pakistan: A Call for Action
Juvenile justice is the system of laws, policies, and procedures designed to handle young people who have committed crimes. The main idea behind juvenile justice is to provide young offenders with support, guidance, and rehabilitation, rather than just punishing them like adult offenders. The focus is on helping these young people understand the consequences of their actions, addressing the root causes of their behavior, and providing them with the tools they need to make positive changes in their lives. This can include access to education, counseling, and other support services aimed at helping them reintegrate into society and avoid further involvement in criminal activities. The ultimate goal of juvenile justice is to give these young people a chance to learn from their mistakes and become responsible, law-abiding members of their communities.
You might be wondering why we should focus on juvenile justice in Pakistan, given the multitude of other pressing issues the country faces. However, it’s important to recognize that children, regardless of their circumstances, have fundamental rights that must be upheld. As a second-generation British Pakistani, I may not have firsthand experience of Pakistan’s challenges, but I firmly believe that every child, regardless of their background, deserves access to education and justice.
In 1990, Pakistan ratified the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC), underscoring its commitment to ensuring that children, including those in detention, have the right to education. However, the implementation of juvenile justice and education in Pakistan is still in its early stages, with incarcerated juveniles often being overlooked and marginalized.
It’s crucial to prioritize the education of children who have committed crimes, as they require additional support and guidance to reintegrate into society. These children often come from disadvantaged backgrounds, have specific needs, and are more vulnerable due to having a parent in prison. This issue isn’t unique to Pakistan, as similar patterns are observed in countries worldwide.
Estimates suggest that there are approximately 1700-2000 children in Pakistani jails, with a significant number being held without trial due to financial constraints and lack of legal representation. Despite international obligations, education often takes a backseat in the overcrowded and substandard prison conditions in Pakistan. However, the government is obligated to ensure fair judicial proceedings and prioritize children’s rights, as outlined in the UNCRC.
While Pakistan has taken steps to address juvenile justice issues, such as enacting the Juvenile Justice System Ordinance (JJSO) in 2000 and the Juvenile Justice System Act (JSSA) in 2018, various challenges hinder effective implementation. These include inadequate allocation of resources, lack of training for law enforcement and judiciary personnel, and a shortage of juvenile rehabilitation facilities.
To bring about meaningful change, public awareness and advocacy for juvenile justice are essential. Furthermore, resources must be directed towards implementing the JSSA, including comprehensive training for law enforcement, judiciary, and legal professionals. Prioritizing juvenile justice at the political level is crucial, especially considering the high number of children in pretrial detention.
Despite the obstacles, change is attainable, as evidenced by the evolving discourse on women’s empowerment in Pakistan. It’s time to shift the narrative around juvenile justice, emphasizing the urgency of action over complacency.
