Juvenile council calls for lawful treatment of minors

CLARK FREEPORT--The Juvenile Justice and Welfare Council (JJWC) calls for the lawful and humane treatment of minors violating quarantine protocols when disciplined by local officials and law enforcement officers.

With the increasing number of Covid-19 cases in the country, most cities and municipalities remain under general community quarantine, and precautionary measures continue to be in full implementation. However, parallel to this is the frequent reports on abuses to minors involving local officials.

Children who violated protocols should be accountable but this should be done in compliance with the law and child-sensitive approaches, it said.

JJWC said local officials and law enforcement can take guidance from the following policies issued by the national government: (a) explain to the child in simple language why he/she is being brought to the barangay; (b) refrain from using vulgar or profane words and from sexually harassing or abusing or making sexual advances on the child found during curfew; (c) avoid displaying or using any firearm, weapon, handcuffs, or other instruments of force or restraint, unless necessary and only after all other methods of control have been exhausted but to no avail; and (d) avoid violence or unnecessary force.

The JJWC urged everyone to work together in ensuring that the rights and welfare of children are protected.

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