Sylvia Lim on Statutes (Miscellaneous Amendments) (No. 2) Bill
The general policy of recognising childhood as lasting to 18 years old is well accepted internationally, and in Singapore has been a long time coming, said MP Sylvia Lim. Speaking in Parliament on Monday (Oct 14), she pointed out that as children under 18 have yet to be fully developed, they should be guided rather than shamed and punished when they do wrong. Ms Lim said while the changes in the definitions regarding age are necessary, they will only be meaningful if the entire ecosystem of criminal justice adopts the same approach. She noted the significant measures already in place, such as prohibiting publishing the identifying particulars of crime victims or suspects under 18 years old and the provision for an appropriate adult to accompany a young offender during law enforcement investigations. Another important area is the Youth Courts, which are an integral part of the ecosystem to support children, said Ms Lim. She wanted to know when the Youth Courts will start hearing cases involving youth offenders between 16 and 18 years old.
The general policy of recognising childhood as lasting to 18 years old is well accepted internationally, and in Singapore has been a long time coming, said MP Sylvia Lim. Speaking in Parliament on Monday (Oct 14), she pointed out that as children under 18 have yet to be fully developed, they should be guided rather than shamed and punished when they do wrong. Ms Lim said while the changes in the definitions regarding age are necessary, they will only be meaningful if the entire ecosystem of criminal justice adopts the same approach. She noted the significant measures already in place, such as prohibiting publishing the identifying particulars of crime victims or suspects under 18 years old and the provision for an appropriate adult to accompany a young offender during law enforcement investigations. Another important area is the Youth Courts, which are an integral part of the ecosystem to support children, said Ms Lim. She wanted to know when the Youth Courts will start hearing cases involving youth offenders between 16 and 18 years old.
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