There is a need for law reform!

A trial in an English law court this week shows the need for every country to have a more responsible attitude to children.

In London, an 11 year old boy and a 10 year old boy were found guilty of the attempted rape of an 8 year old girl. The girl’s testimony was confused and if she had been an adult, the case would have been dismissed. But under English law the case proceeded and a jury of 12 people in London’s famous Old Bailey court found the boys guilty by a vote of 10-2. The two boys will later be sentenced and their names will automatically go on the national Sex Offender’s Register and remain there for the rest of their life.

It is appalling that an advanced society such as Britain would still try young children’s cases in the public spotlight of a law court before a full jury. Criminal cases involving children should be conducted in a more civilised and private context, respecting their age and providing proper support for both the accused and the defendants.

Child sex abuse is an emotive issue but it must respect the rights of all children and clearly there is a need for law reform in many countries to ensure that all children are protected.

Ron O´Grady är en av grundarna till det internationella ECPAT-nätverket. Han var under många år ordförande för ECPAT International och aktiv i ECPAT New Zeeland.