Justice for Children has become a necessary tool in the modern judicial machinery, creating a new paradigm for protection and administration of justice. A strong and informed Child Justice System is sine qua non in the modern administration of justice, thus concurring the need for protection and informed interpretation and application of the laws for children; reinforcing the courts as the guardians of the rights of children.
The modern legal system necessitates the respect for the best interest of the child, wholesome development and the nurturing a good citizenship. These strategic visions help to put children at the center, and establish a judicial culture based on values, norms and standards, thus fulfilling the national aspirations and mandates under the Child Care and Protection Act of Bhutan, 2011. It is understandable that we need to promote a peaceful and inclusive society for sustainable development, by providing access to justice for all, by building an effective, efficient and inclusive institutions and by advancing a new understanding of Justice for Children.
It is imperative that the children benefit from our justice system and we reinforce a justice system based on information by putting justice as a means to enable children’s development, guarantee their wellbeing, and establish a strong foundation for Justice for Children through empowerment and responsive justice services and interventions.
In this light, the Bhutan National Legal Institute and the Supreme Court are jointly conducting a three-day Training on Child Justice for the Bench Clerks of the southern Dzongkhags from 11-13 August 2021 with the financial support from the Austrian Development Cooperation (ADC) under the Justice Sector Programme through the Supreme Court.
The training is being resourced by Justices of the High Court, Judges and officials from the Family and Child Bench, officials from the Royal Bhutan Police (RBP), Office of the Attorney General (OAG), the National Commission for Women and Children (NCWC), and Khesar Gyalpo University of Medical Sciences of Bhutan (KGUMSB). The training is being held virtually in line with the COVID-19 Protocols and Public Safety and Health Measures and minimal gathering of people.
The virtual training is being attended by the 46 Bench Clerks of different courts in the southern Dzongkhags, Supreme Court, High Court, and Family and Child Bench of Thimphu District Court. The training will conclude on 13th August 2021.