On November 30, the 15th National Assembly adopted the Law on Justice for Minors, designed to protect minors' rights and interests, with 461 out of 463 deputies (96.24%) voting in favor. The law aims to ensure that juvenile offenders are treated in a manner appropriate to their age, cognitive ability, personal circumstances, and the societal danger posed by their actions.
The law focuses on educating and rehabilitating young offenders to help them correct their mistakes, improve their behaviour, and become productive members of society.
It outlines measures for diversion, penalties, and legal procedures for juvenile offenders. It also addresses procedures for victims and witnesses, execution of sentences, reintegration into the community, and support for victims. It specifies the roles, duties, and responsibilities of organisations and individuals involved in juvenile justice.
Particularly, the law specifies diversion measures, which include reprimands restricted hours for activities and movement, apologies to victims, compensation for damage, participation in educational or vocational programmes, mandatory psychological treatment or counselling, and community service.
Under the new law, minors eligible for diversion include those aged 16 to under 18 who commit minor or serious offenses, those aged 14 to under 16 who commit very serious offenses (excluding specified crimes under Article 123 of the Penal Code), and minors with minimal roles in group offenses.