UNICEF: Bulgarian Children's Rights Legislation Inadequate

Society | November 18, 2010, Thursday // 11:58
Bulgaria: UNICEF: Bulgarian Children's Rights Legislation Inadequate Human rights advocate Robert Badinter called for protection of Bulgarian children. Photo by UNICEF Bulgaria

The Bulgarian legislation concerning the rights of children is archaic and an update is badly needed, according to French high-profile human rights advocate Robert Badinter.

He called for protection of children's rights in Bulgaria.

The current Bulgarian laws concerning juvenile delinquency have not changed since 1958. They have been created under the Communist regime and do not reflect the situation in a modern democratic society, according to Badinter, who is visited Bulgaria November 15-17 to take part in an UNICEF initiative on children's rights.

No children under the age of 14 should be put on trial. Instead, efficient protection measures should take place, he added.

"A child is not just a small-sized adult, but a developing person. When a developing person commits a crime, it is a symptom that something is wrong. Therefore, the system adults create for children has to be focus on the interests of the children themselves – and on their opportunity to develop," Badinter specified.

Robert Badinter (born 30 March 1928 in Paris) is a high-profile French criminal lawyer, university professor and human rights advocate. He is a former French Minister of Justice (1981-1986).

Tanja Radocaj, UNESCO representative for Bulgaria, also participated in the initiative.

"Behind every young child's misdemeanor, there is a long list of adults who have failed", she stated.

Bulgarian Deputy Justice Minister Daniela Masheva declared that the Bulgarian Council of Ministers will discuss a concept on juvenile law based on Committee on the Rights of the Child's recommendations.

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Tags: UNICEF, Robert Badinter, children's rights, human rights

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