Lasallians oppose lower age of criminal responsibility

The Social Transformation through Advocacy and Reform (STAR) arm of the Lasallian Community Development Center (LCDC) conducted a Kapihang Milenyal entitled “Children Are Not Criminals -The Lasallian Response to the Lowering of the Minimum Age of Criminal Responsibility.”

The Kapihang Milenyal gathered student leaders from different colleges and student volunteers from auxiliary organizations to reflect on the Lasallian commitment and advocacy of promoting and protecting the rights of children.

The initiative was part of the Lasallian Justice and Peace Commission's (LJPC) mandate to educate the community and its partners on issues involving child offenders of the law.

The gathering discussed the proposal to lower the minimum age of criminal responsibility under Republic Act No. 9344, or the Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act of 2006. After the Kapihan session, participants developed concrete proposals for actions to be taken.

The LCDC also presented the results of the Lasallian Speak, an online survey conducted among members of the Lasallian community. Of the 2,196 respondents, 1,570 (71%) expressed opposition to lowering the age of criminal responsibility, while 626 (29%) expressed support for the proposal.

The program concluded with an invitation from the LCDC for participants to share insights from the discussions with their classmates, organizations, friends, and families, and to take concrete actions expressing solidarity with disadvantaged children.

This article aligns with United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG)

• SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions