National Commission on the Rights of the Child Presents Recommendations to the Government

ORANJESTAD – This week, the National Commission on the Rights of the Child presented the findings of a study on children’s rights within the criminal justice system to Minister Dr. Mervin Wyatt-Ras (Public Health, Social Affairs, Elderly Care, and Addiction Care), Minister Gerlien Croes (Kingdom Relations, Education, Youth, Innovation, and Sport), and Minister Dr. Arthur Dowers (Justice, Integration, and Public Transport).

The study was conducted at the recommendation of the United Nations in Geneva. Through consultations with multiple organizations, the Commission gained better insight into Aruba’s criminal justice policies. The presentation included a series of recommendations aimed at structurally improving the treatment of children and young people within the justice system and safeguarding their rights—one of the Commission’s core mandates.

The National Commission on the Rights of the Child is an interdepartmental body whose members are appointed by ministerial decree. Present at the meeting were:

  • Ms. Sacha Geerman, Chair of the Commission (DAS)
  • Ms. Gwennan Lisapaly Boekhoudt (DEA)
  • Ms. Mandy Lacle (DAO)
  • Mrs. Swinda Dumfries (DVG)
  • Ms. Yarel Kelly (CBS)
  • Ms. Magaly Maduro (Bureau Sostenemi)
  • Ms. Charlene Bontekoe (Guardianship)

Representatives from ATHA, DBB, and CEDE Aruba also serve on the Commission.
The recommendations were formally handed over during a meeting at the Executive Office, attended by Mrs. Rosanna van Dijk (Director of DAS) and Mrs. Seraida Pemberton of the Aruba Youth Reclassification and Protection Foundation.

The recommendations are based on:

  • A series of visits in 2023 to twelve organizations that play a key role in the juvenile justice system;
  • A study conducted by the Ministry of Public Health.

This input helped shape actionable recommendations that reflect the realities and needs of the organizations involved.
The proposals are grouped into four priority areas: Justice, Education, Health, and Social Development.

Key Recommendations:

  • Develop a management vision for the juvenile division of KIA.
  • Establish a dedicated youth facility with provisions for court-ordered treatment programs (PIJ);
  • Ensure continuity of tailored education in juvenile detention, including a full assessment of educational needs;
  • Diversify education programs for at-risk youth;
  • Implement a monitoring and evaluation system to promote health and well-being for all young people, both inside and outside detention.
  • Have AZV (Aruba Health Insurance) formally recognize addiction as a disease, based on scientific evidence;
  • Design targeted education and employment programs for at-risk youth;
  • Assess the effectiveness of social support programs for high-risk families.

The ministers expressed appreciation for the Commission’s work and committed to reviewing the recommendations. They will invite the Commission back for continued discussions, with these recommendations serving as a guiding framework for future policy.
 

National Commission on the Rights of the Child Presents Recommendations to the Government.