To strengthen Bhutan’s child justice system a three-day National Child Justice Conference began in Thimphu today. The participants will share and discuss on the best practices and experiences in dealing with child rights at national and international level.
The conference will see discussion on the prevention of juvenile delinquency, prevention of re-offending, reintegration and develop a road map for child justice in Bhutan.
Speaking at the Conference, the President of Bhutan National legal institute (BNLI), Her Royal Highness Princess Sonam Dechan Wangchuck, said Bhutan’s young population is at the crossroads. “It is time we as parents, stakeholders, policy makers contemplate and begin uncovering the root causes, find long term solutions that meets the hopes and aspirations of our youth and children today.”
Her Royal Highness said if Bhutan wanted to have successful democratic transition ‘the roles of our children in the nation building’ should be realised and considered.
The Resident Representative of the UNICEF, Shaheen Nilofer, said large number of children in conflict with law are the socio–economic victims. “It also includes children who are denied their right to education and abandoned by families.”
She said these children are at the high risk of sexual exploitation, trafficking and involving in substance abuse. She said all stakeholders should work together to strengthen the child justice system.
