RP asked to punish criminal syndicates, not children

MANILA, Philippines – The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) yesterday urged the Philippine government to “punish criminal syndicates, not children” in implementing the Juvenile Justice Law.

In a media forum in Manila last week, UNICEF and the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) stressed the importance of understanding the landmark law amid moves to lower the minimum age of criminal responsibility to nine or 10 years old from 15, largely due to unconfirmed reports that children are being used by criminal syndicates in their activities.

UNICEF said reducing the minimum age of criminal responsibility would not solve the problem of children being involved in or committing crimes.

“UNICEF is of the view that reducing the minimum age of criminal responsibility is not the solution to the use of children 15 years or below in the commission of crimes,” Atty. Alberto Muyot, UNICEF Child Protection Specialist said.

“It will violate the very essence of justice if children who have been exploited by criminal syndicates are penalized instead of the adults who had exploited them,” he said.

He noted the enactment of the Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act of 2006 was “a landmark that gave many children around the Philippines a new lease on life.”

Before the law was passed, thousands of children were detained in adult jails and treated no differently than hardened criminals.

“They were exposed to subhuman conditions, not only to health hazards but also to physical and sexual abuse. Ironically, detention was not even called for as 70 percent of the children had committed petty offenses and 80 percent were first time offenders,” a UNICEF statement said.

Under the new law, most children who commit crimes are sent to community-based programs where they receive rehabilitation, counseling, skills training, education, and other activities that will enhance their well-being.

Education seminars and microfinancing services for their parents are also offered. These programs have proven effective in the reintegration of these children into society, the UNICEF noted.

“Now that we have a powerful ally in the law, with it comes a greater challenge for us to make our communities understand its provisions and explain why we need to give these children the opportunity to grow and develop. Many of them are already being let down by adults. Throwing them in jails is not the answer,” Vanessa Tobin, UNICEF Representative said.

“UNICEF helps these children get a second chance by building the capacities of communities and educating barangay officials, policemen and social workers about the law,” UNICEF officials said.

UNICEF also works with the Juvenile Justice and Welfare Council to ensure effective implementation. Together with other non-government organization partners, UNICEF extends assistance to youth centers where these children receive the care and encouragement they need.

UNICEF is on the ground in over 150 countries and territories to help children survive and thrive, from early childhood through adolescence. The world’s largest provider of vaccines for developing countries, UNICEF supports child health and nutrition, good water and sanitation, quality basic education for all boys and girls, and the protection of children from violence, exploitation, and AIDS. UNICEF is funded entirely by the voluntary contributions of individuals, businesses, foundations and governments. – Paolo Romero