Concerns have been raised about the potential for the upcoming Criminal Records Bill to inadvertently facilitate the exploitation of children under 15 in criminal activities. This worrying issue was highlighted by justice of peace and Ba resident Alsheik Ashad Ali during a public consultation with the Parliamentary Standing Committee for Justice, Law and Human Rights, held in Nadi.
Ali drew attention to Section 17(1)(c) of the proposed Bill, which stipulates that convictions for offenses committed by individuals under 15 would be considered “spent” after the date of conviction. He warned that this provision could be manipulated by criminals who might utilize children as tools for illegal activities, such as drug trafficking.
The commissioner expressed his concerns regarding the prevailing situation in Fiji, which is marked by the presence of criminal syndicates involved in drug trade, increasing the likelihood of children being recruited unwittingly for such purposes. Ali’s apprehensions extended beyond drug trafficking; he cautioned against the risk of malicious individuals targeting young people, thereby creating a hazardous environment for them.
Describing the draft Bill as “highly disorganized,” Ali urged lawmakers to revise and refine the legislation to close any loopholes that could lead to the exploitation of minors. He pointed out that while the intention behind the Bill is to foster rehabilitation, its ambiguous language could result in confusion and unintended outcomes.
As discussions on the Bill continue in Lautoka, it is crucial for lawmakers and stakeholders to engage in thorough dialogues focused on protecting vulnerable populations, especially children, from being ensnared in criminal activities. These consultations are essential in ensuring that new laws do not unintentionally facilitate crime or jeopardize the safety of the youth. This commitment to refining the legislation reflects a hopeful approach towards safeguarding the welfare of future generations while striving to maintain justice.