Legal ReformThere is, therefore, an urgent need for legal reform and the proper enforcement of existing laws in order to provide a protective environment for children. National policies to protect children against violence, abuse and exploitation also need to be developed. A Juvenile Justice Bill was drafted, approved in the cabinet and sent to Parliament in March 2005. The bill authorizes judges to avoid capital punishment for juveniles and promotes alternative sentencing. UNICEF supported the development of this bill and will continue to intensively advocate for its adoption. At the national level, efforts concentrate on policy and guideline development, while at the district level, activities focus on advocacy, training and capacity development. Part of the strategy is to develop and improve the knowledge and attitudes of judges, police and staff of juvenile correction and rehabilitation centres in dealing with children in conflict with the law. Training sessions have been conducted on juvenile justice issues, the Convention on the Rights of the Child and international standards of treatment for child offenders.
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