South Africa: Rights Activists Voice Concern Over Child Justice Bill

Cape Town — After five years in the doldrums, the urgently needed Child Justice Bill received bouquets and brickbats when it arrived in Parliament's justice committee yesterday with its revival being both welcomed and some sections described as ridiculous.

The original bill was tabled in Parliament in 2002 after consensus among civil society organisations active in the field of children's rights. But after substantial changes in the justice committee in 2003, it was sent back to the department for redrafting. The legislation is needed for SA to comply with its adoption of both United Nations (UN) and African Union charters on children's rights.

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