Ramgoolam proposes parliamentary committee on juvenile delinquency in Mauritius
By the AFREEQUE newsroom, based on Defimedia
Mauritian Prime Minister Navin Ramgoolam tabled a motion to create a parliamentary committee on juvenile delinquency. It would examine its causes, parental responsibility, support for vulnerable children and the minimum age of criminal responsibility, according to the National Assembly secretariat.
Mauritian Prime Minister Navin Ramgoolam tabled a motion on 21 October proposing the creation of a parliamentary select committee on juvenile delinquency, according to a document from the National Assembly secretariat. The group would examine, among other things, parental responsibility and the minimum age of criminal responsibility for children.
Appointed by the Speaker of the National Assembly, its members would study the causes of offences and antisocial or violent behaviour among children. They would also assess the capacity of services dealing with children in conflict with the law, abandoned children, children who have dropped out of school and those living on the streets.
The committee could summon people, request documents and consult specialists, including child psychologists, sociologists and anthropologists. It would be tasked with making recommendations, including on possible changes concerning parental responsibility when parents encourage minors to commit offences.
The motion follows criticism on 17 October by Mauritian MP Lesjongard of a decline in juvenile justice, and 28 questions put to the Prime Minister on 20 October about social unrest. These developments are covered in the articles on the setback in juvenile justice and questions to the Prime Minister about social unrest.
Summary produced with the help of artificial intelligence tools, under AFREEQUE’s editorial responsibility.
