BY:KONDWANI KANDIADO
Irish Rule of Law International program Lawyer, Martha Pigott says adherence to Malawi Child care, protection and Justice Act is crucial in ensuring rehabilitation of children who are in conflict with the law.
She said this on Saturday at Lumbadzi Police Station 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 in order 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 come into contact with children who have committed offenses.
Malawi Child Care, Protection and Justice Act of 2010 prohibits children in conflict with the law from being held in police cells but instead be put in safe homes and also divert those children away from the criminal justice system for more minor offences.
Pigott urged the police officers to work hand in hand with parents of concerned children to ensure that they divert children’s cases away from court.
Lumbadzi police officer in-charge, Deputy Commissioner Mecklina Mtanthiko Medi commended the Irish rule of law officials for organizing the training saying it will help improve service delivery especially on children in conflict with the law.
The training was supported by Irish Rule of Law International and was aimed at reminding police officers on what the law says, discuss challenges and pave the way forward.
Pic: Piggot interacting with officers after the training
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