Justice ministry launches child-friendly justice system
In an effort to transform the vision of the justice system that is inclusive, responsive, rooted in the principles of fairness and equity, the Ministry of Justice ministry this week launched a child-friendly justice system roadmap.
The roadmap outlines a comprehensive strategy that encompasses both immediate actions and longterm reforms such as the development of a multi-sectoral standard operating procedures and guidelines that are child friendly to facilitate a child-friendly justice system and training and capacity building for the justice sector on child friendly processes and legislation.
This was revealed by the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Naledi Moroka, recently in Gaborone. Moroka said the roadmap would also look at the alignment of the processes in the criminal justice system that will holistically address the challenges and recognise the need to build synergies needed for a fluid operation and ensure that Botswana upholds the ethos of good governance, human rights and the rule of law.
Moreover, it will focus on the establishment of one stop centres for all services to be delivered through a single service delivery point for children’s cases and the development of a data management system that will collect data and inform policy development on children’s cases.
“The government of Botswana has prioritised the reform of the justice sector in the National Development Plan 12 and the two-year Transitional National Development Plan that is currently ongoing. It is therefore by design that key priorities for the Ministry of Justice includes enhancing livelihoods and the rights of children through improving access to an effective justice system,” Moroka said.
Moroka stated that the roadmap places a strong emphasis on prevention and intervention, recognising that true justice is not merely punitive but also proactive.
She said by addressing the underlying social, economic, and environmental factors that contribute to crime and inequality, the ministry can create a society where justice is not just about punishment but about healing and restoration with the best interest of the child at heart.
“This means addressing systemic biases within our institutions, reviewing and harmonising outdated laws, and investing in developing the human capital that administers justice. Therefore, the roadmap for a child-friendly justice system represents a culmination of collective efforts, a blueprint designed to guide to achieve a future where fairness, equality, and dignity in the criminal justice system are not just ideals but lived realities for all,” she said.
For her part, Legal Aid Botswana chief executive officer (CEO), Keona Mphetlhe, said since the roadmap on a child-friendly justice system has been launched, it was important to determine the governance structure of the reform, set up thematic teams in ensuring all government and non-government actors are included.
She added that there is need to set up multi-disciplinary justice forum and determine their roles to determine the scope of work of each team and to develop reform plans with short term and long-term goals (by doing additional research, developing work plans with timelines, budget, costing activities).
Mphetlhe said they should ensure review, approval, and accountability by appropriate authorities, who are also to ensure sufficient funding and resourcing for the implementation of the plans, the assignment of clear roles and responsibilities for the execution of the plans.
She said there is also a need to develop and implement a monitoring and evaluation plan, tools to determine success and impact of the system to determine gaps and make informed decisions about the reforms of the system based on evidence.
“This next step will be preceded by a training conducted for the implementing entities to equip them with the necessary skills and tools to be able to undertake and lead the implementation at their respective entities.
I urge that there be continuous engagement and inclusivity to maximise the synergies that we have built with the development partners ensuring that there is availability of resources and expert help as we implement,” she said.
Mphetlhe called on entities to make the child-friendly justice system happen in making sure that when children encounter the justice system, it must be an experience that protects and ensures that the children receive fair, expedient, age-appropriate justice centred on the rule of law.