Tue 2025/07/01 02:05 am
Ramallah – In a landmark initiative to strengthen juvenile justice in Palestine, four key Palestinian institutions — the Public Prosecution, The Palestinian Civil Policehe, Palestinian Bar Association, and the Ministry of Social Development — have signed a comprehensive Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to ensure early legal representation and psychosocial support for children in contact with the law.
The MoU, signed today at the Attorney General’s office, brings together His Excellency Attorney General Akram Al-Khatib, Major General Allam Al-Saqqa representing the Police, Bar Association Chairman Fadi Abbas, and Deputy Minister of Social Development Mr. Taha Al-Iraqi. The ceremony was attended by Ms. Karen Limdal, Head of the European Union Police Mission to Palestine (EUPOL COPPS), and Mr. Simon Ridley, Manager of the Sawasya III Joint Programme, supported by UNICEF State of Palestine.
This agreement establishes a unified framework designed to guarantee that juveniles are informed promptly of their rights, including access to qualified legal counsel and psychosocial assistance, from their earliest contact with law enforcement. It aligns with Article 40 of the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) and its General Comment No. 10 (2007), which emphasizes the child’s right to legal safeguards and protection against secondary victimization throughout the justice process.
Attorny General Al-Khatib emphasized that this MoU institutionalizes a child-friendly approach to juvenile justice, ensuring professional and timely legal representation in a manner that respects the best interests of the child, even amid the exceptional circumstances facing Palestinian society. He affirmed the Public Prosecution’s commitment to collaboration with law enforcement and civil society to guarantee effective protection and uphold the dignity of every child involved in legal proceedings.
Major General Al-Saqqa highlighted the police’s dedication to procedural safeguards from the moment of detention, stressing ongoing capacity building to prevent any form of harm or undue pressure on juveniles. Deputy Minister Al-Iraqi reaffirmed the Ministry of Social Development’s role in providing psychosocial support through specialized child protection counsellors, safeguarding children’s privacy and developmental needs as a national priority.
Mr. Abbas underscored the Bar Association’s commitment to appointing qualified lawyers trained to address the unique needs of juveniles, framing early legal representation as both a legal right and a moral imperative.
Ms. Limdal noted, “Ensuring that every child has access to a lawyer from the outset is a fundamental safeguard and a significant milestone for justice reform in Palestine.” Mr. Ridley added, “This agreement exemplifies the collective commitment to protect children’s rights and to promote restorative justice alternatives, ensuring no child navigates the justice system alone.”
The MoU stipulates that children shall not be questioned or required to provide statements before legal counsel is present, except in urgent, narrowly defined situations. It also outlines mechanisms for inter-agency coordination, documentation, and specialized training to foster consistent, rights-based practices across justice and child protection sectors.
