The Public Prosecution Authority initiates a discussion on implementing alternative sanctions for children
The Public Prosecution Authority is organizing a national study day on July 21 and 22, 2025, in Skhirat, to explore the ways to implement the Law on Alternative Sanctions in light of the principles governing juvenile justice, ahead of the law’s entry into force.
In an official statement, the Public Prosecution Authority emphasized that juvenile justice is a priority within its strategy for implementing criminal policy. It affirmed that the goal is to establish a child-friendly justice system that balances reformative approaches with the protection of victims’ interests and the rights of all children.
The new Law No. 22.43 concerning alternative sanctions aims to address the shortcomings of short-term incarceration, which has proven ineffective in achieving reformative and rehabilitative goals. The Public Prosecution Authority clarified that legislators have considered the exceptional nature of depriving children of their liberty, resorting to it only as a last option when no other alternative serves the best interests of the child.
The national meeting aims to prepare public prosecutors and judges for the activation of the alternatives provided by the law, particularly juvenile judges and judges enforcing sanctions. It will include:
– Discussing the context and objectives of adopting alternative sanctions.
– Exploring available options for juvenile judges and clarifying the roles of the public prosecution and judges implementing sanctions.
– Studying the integration between alternative sanctions and the principles governing juvenile justice.
The Public Prosecution Authority has preempted the law’s implementation by issuing a circular from its president, numbered 18 R N A 2024, inviting a broad discussion to deliberate its provisions and anticipate the potential difficulties that may arise during its execution.
The meeting will host juvenile public prosecutors, juvenile judges, and judges enforcing sanctions from various courts across the kingdom, along with representatives from government sectors, national institutions, and civil society engaged in child welfare. Additionally, regional meetings will be scheduled to deepen the discussion on this new initiative.
