Coalition expresses ‘deep disappointment’ over use of Petition of Concern during age of criminal responsibility debate

The Ten is Too Young coalition, made up of children’s rights organisations and community and voluntary sector groups working directly with children and young people, has today expressed profound disappointment that the amendments to the justice bill seeking to raise the age of criminal responsibility have been scuppered by the use of a Petition of Concern.

The coalition said: “Reforms to increase MACR would be a step forward to deliver real and lasting change in Northern Ireland by addressing our unacceptably low age of criminal responsibility and ensuring alignment with international children’s rights standards.

“The evidence indicates that early intervention, support and diversion are more effective at reducing harm than criminalising children at a young age. Raising the age of criminal responsibility represents a logical and evidence based step in strengthening long term community safety.

“It is therefore incredibly disappointing that the Petition of Concern was used to block the tabled amendments. The triggering of a Petition of Concern in this context represents a misuse of a mechanism designed to protect minority rights, not to block progress on fundamental issues facing disadvantaged children and young people.

“To continue to criminalise children as young as ten is unacceptable. Our children deserve a system that recognises their developmental capacity, upholds their rights, and allows them to learn from mistakes without being criminalised. Approaches must continue to be prioritised that reduce reoffending, prevent future victims and give children the chance to turn their lives around.

“We would urge the MLAs who used the Petition of Concern in this case to seriously reconsider. It will be our most disadvantaged children and young people who pay the price.”