Dear Editor,
On the issue of second chances and pardoning of judicial sentences we must consider the children at the New Opportunity Corps. This is especially for those children/adolescents (some aged 10 years old) who have been sentenced for one to three years for the economic crime of wandering. The review of cases will allow careful consideration of those who are really the offenders and who are really in need of care of the State/community/homes/families.
The sentence of “wandering” may hide the true nature of the offence, this may be an opportunity for the current administration to institute a solid system to allow for both the judicial review of cases and for pardoning of those children- who have no business being locked up. The issue of reintegration and access of social protection services (as part of the recidivism) can be addressed through the Ministry of Social Protection, and based on the reports in the media- both USAID and UNICEF support reintegration programmes.
Children, too, need to go home, communities and return to school. Second chances must also include our children.
Yours faithfully,
(Name and address supplied)
