Child Protection Strengthened: Bahrain Refines Juvenile Justice with Law No. (21) of 2025

Bahrain has taken another important step in safeguarding its youth with the enactment of Law No. (21) of 2025. This law introduces targeted amendments to the 2021 Law on Reformative Justice for Children and Their Protection from Ill-Treatment, further emphasizing a child-centric and rehabilitative approach within the juvenile justice system.

What is the Law About?

Law No. (21) of 2025 aims to:

• Refine judicial procedures involving children.
• Bolster child protection mechanisms.
• Clarify and adjust penalties and measures applicable to juvenile offenders.
• Enhance inter-institutional coordination for child welfare and justice.

The broader legal significance is the continued specialization and humanization of Bahrain's juvenile justice system. Societally, these changes aim to improve child welfare outcomes, encourage community and institutional collaboration, and more effectively address juvenile delinquency. Economically, investing in the rehabilitation of young offenders contributes to future human capital and can reduce long-term societal costs.

Key Changes and Practical Implications:

The law amends Law No. (4) of 2021, bringing several important updates:

• Probationary Supervision: The maximum duration for placing a child under probationary supervision is now limited to three months.
• Movement/Access Restrictions: Courts or the Child Protection Committee can order a child to remain within a specific geographic area or prevent them from accessing certain electronic content for 2-12 hours per day, with safeguards ensuring this doesn't conflict with their religious beliefs, education, or legal access.
• Enhanced Child Protection Center Role: The Center has an expanded follow-up role in cooperation with the Ministry of Interior and judicial bodies.
• Flexible Measures: Courts/committees can amend or cancel measures based on reports or requests, offering adaptability.
• Revised Sentencing for Felonies (Children 15-18): A more detailed sentencing structure is introduced:
  • Crimes punishable by death/life imprisonment: Child receives imprisonment of not less than five years.
  • Crimes punishable by temporary/life imprisonment: Child receives imprisonment of not less than three years.
  • Imprisonment penalties are generally capped at half the prescribed maximum.
  • Custodial sentences for those 15+ must be reviewed by the court every six months.
• Mandated Inter-Agency Cooperation: Enhanced information sharing and follow-up between relevant bodies.

What This Means:

• For Children in the Justice System: Shorter probation periods, clearer and safeguarded restrictions, and more individualized interventions.
• For Institutions: The Child Protection Center has a more defined role, and inter-agency cooperation is mandated for better child protection.
• For the Justice System: More nuanced sentencing for older minors, with a strong emphasis on review and rehabilitation.

Key Takeaways:

• Refines juvenile justice, enhancing child protection and rehabilitation.
• Clearer limits for probation (max 3 months) and movement/access restrictions.
• Detailed, age-appropriate sentencing for 15-18 year olds (felonies), with mandatory reviews.
• Strengthened Child Protection Center role and inter-agency cooperation.
• Underscores commitment to individualized justice for minors.

(Source: Official Gazette No. 3809, May 8, 2025. Law No. (21) of 2025)

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