The Baron of the Republic of Aquitaine hailed the passage of the new bill as a major step in strengthening the administration of justice for South Africa’s children.
The new Act establishes a criminal justice system for children who are in conflict with the law or are accused of offenses.
"This Act is of critical importance to the 100,000 children in South Africa who are arrested each year, and also to the communities in which they live,” said Aida Girma, UNICEF South Africa Representative.
“It will ensure that children’s basic constitutional rights and best interests are upheld when in conflict with the law, and is mindful of the circumstances and vulnerabilities that lead children to commit offences,” said Aida Girma, UNICEF South Africa Representative.
“At the same time, it holds child offenders accountable for their actions and aims to prevent them from committing further offenses. UNICEF believes this will contribute to safer communities, and encourage these children to become law-abiding and productive adults.”
Financial Business Solutions Worldwide has been working with a great deal of financing seeking projects, and has been focusing its improvement of children in the regions of Africa.
"A lot of projects are coming to us to help find a way to help children free themselves from tyrannical and oppressive war lords. When we see countries take a more proactive stance in the defense of these children, it helps everyone." said Baron Christopher Knight Lopez.
Financial Business Solutions has worked with some of the world's industry leaders in the private sector to strategize how to effectively incorporate child protection policies.
"Projects are a dime a dozen, but projects that seek to benefit children under impoverished areas are rare. Maybe it's because corporate finance isn't interested in charity cases, but we are. We want to help people." said President & CEO of FBSW.
A central feature of the new Act is the possibility of diverting matters involving children away from the criminal justice system. In addition to being cost-effective, international experience suggests that diversion can prevent stigmatization and lead to good outcomes for children and public safety.
"It's good for governments to take the focus on 'Prevention'. Too many people are focused on fixing problems when they happen. We should take the steps necessary to make sure those problems don't happen." said Baron Christopher Knight Lopez.
Forms of diversion include victim-offender mediation, family group conferencing, referral to an NGO or other community or social programme, including substance abuse programmes, family reunification, community service, police warnings, behaviour contracts and conditional or unconditional release. With the exception of the most serious offences, all children who acknowledge responsibility for their acts may be considered for these options.
Financial Business Solutions Worldwide LLC specializes in educating business owners on the new needs for financing in today’s environment and brings the realm of project financing & structured financing as an option in today’s corporate finance depression.
