Irish Rule of Law International programme lawyer Martha Pigott says adherence to Malawi Childcare, Protection and Justice Act is crucial in ensuring rehabilitation of children in conflict with the law.
She said this on Saturday at Lumbadzi in Dowa during a refresher training of police officers on appropriate handling of child suspects.
Said Pigott: “Sometimes a child might be coming from a broken home, not having parents or support in school.
“So, to prevent them from committing more crimes or becoming more dangerous criminals before becoming adults, we have to intervene and rehabilitate them now while still young and put them on a better path.”
She, however, observed that one of the challenges was inadequate safe homes which she said affected police officers when they meet children who have committed offences.
Malawi Childcare, Protection and Justice Act of 2010 prohibits children in conflict with the law from being held in police cells.
Instead, the law requires children to be kept in safe homes and divert them from the criminal justice system for more minor offences.
Pigott urged police officers to work with parents of concerned children to ensure that they divert children’s cases away from court.
Lumbadzi Police Station officer in-charge Mecklina Mtanthiko Medi commended Irish Rule of Law International officials for organising the training.
The Irish Rule of Law International supported the training that sought to remind police officers about what the law says regarding to children in conflict with the law.
