Child commissioner welcomes new law on minors

Children’s rights commissioner Despo Michaelides praised the passing of a recent bill which establishes a clearer framework for the handling of minors in the legal system.

Michaelides said on Monday that the new law fills previous gaps within the legal system which had been set up to primarily deal with adults.

“Children, as a whole, who are in a vulnerable position due to their age, degree of maturity but also their dependence on adults are a group whose rights require specialised protection,” she said.

The bill seeks to address issues such as juvenile delinquency, parental supervision and substance abuse treatment.

Michaelides further stated that the new steps set out in the law would bring Cyprus further in line with EU laws and directives.