Australia recognises children’s rights to justice this National Children’s Day

This National Children’s Day, the Australian Government is showing its commitment to child protection and juvenile justice in Indonesia by funding six organisations contributing to improving child rights.

The Convention on the Rights of the Child state children accused of breaking the law have the right to legal help and fair treatment in a justice system. In Indonesia, more than 7,000 juveniles are in prison nationwide. Unfortunately, legal assistance is often not accessible for them.

Australia’s Deputy Head of Mission to Indonesia, Paul Robilliard, said at a National Children’s Day event today, Australia is helping Indonesia build a juvenile justice system that respects child rights.

“As is the case anywhere in the world, child offenders should not be treated in the same way as adult criminals. The system needs to protect their well-being.”

“Australia is proud to fund the dedicated work of these six selected non-government organisations working to improve juvenile justice and child protection,” said Mr Robilliard.

Indonesian Legal Resource Centre, Jakarta Legal Institute, The Indonesian Legal Institute, The Semarang Legal Institute, The Children Legal Aid Institute in Aceh and The Child Protection Body of East Java received funding from the Australian Government to continue their juvenile rights and justice.

These organisations work to increase people’s awareness of child rights, provide free legal services to street children, and train paralegals who work on child protection cases.

Today’s National Children’s Day event provides an opportunity for representatives from the child protection and juvenile justice sector, the six funded organisations and the wider public celebrate the rights of the child.

Media enquiries:
Mia Salim, AusAID Indonesia, 08121070237