Menu
Close
Reforming juvenile justice is crucial for protecting the rights of vulnerable children. At JPP, we advocate tirelessly for those in conflict with the law, ensuring their voices are heard and their rights upheld.
At JPP, we are dedicated to reforming juvenile justice to ensure that every child is treated with dignity and respect. We strive to protect the rights of young individuals caught in the system, advocating for policies that prioritize rehabilitation over punishment.
Juveniles in the justice system face significant challenges that violate the protections afforded to them under international and domestic law.
Children in Pakistan are routinely held in unlawful detention following arrest, often far exceeding the 24-hour limit stipulated by law, and are frequently detained alongside adults in unsanitary and unsafe conditions. Despite the Juvenile Justice System Act (JJSA), 2018, children continue to be sentenced to death and life imprisonment, due to weak enforcement, procedural failures, and the absence of a categorical prohibition on life sentences.
Children from economically disadvantaged backgrounds are disproportionately criminalized for survival-based activities, and face prolonged pre-trial detention due to poverty, lack of legal aid, and failure to meet bail requirements. Pakistan’s juvenile justice system suffers from a severe lack of effective rehabilitation and reintegration programs, with most juveniles denied education, mental health care, and post-release support, undermining the rehabilitative intent of the JJSA.
We advocate for policies that prioritize rehabilitation over punishment, recognizing the unique needs of young individuals.Our commitment to juvenile justice ensures that children in conflict with the law are treated with dignity and respect. We advocate for policies that prioritize rehabilitation over punishment, recognizing the unique needs of young individuals. Children are often more vulnerable to coercion, wrongful convictions, and harsh sentencing due to inadequate legal protections and limited access to competent representation.
JPP has also helped secure protections for juvenile offenders, including through the successful commutation of Muhammad Iqbal’s sentence and contributions to the passage of the Juvenile Justice System Act 2018. The Act includes age-determination safeguards that were first highlighted in JPP’s report *Death Row’s Children*, which documented the impact of low birth registration rates on juvenile sentencing.
We work to strengthen legal safeguards for children by pushing for age-appropriate sentencing, age-determination mechanisms, improved access to diversion programs, and alternatives to detention, such as community service and observation homes. Our team provides direct legal representation to juveniles, ensur ing their rights are upheld during trial and detention. We also engage with policymakers and child protection authorities to reform juvenile justice laws and improve detention conditions, focusing on education, mental health support, and reintegration into society. By addressing the root causes of juvenile offending and promoting rehabilitative approaches, we aim to create a justice system that nurtures rather than punishes young lives.
Learn MoreAt JPP, we use research and documentation as powerful tools to advocate for the rights of children in the justice system. Reports like our investigation into policing practices in Faisalabad help expose how juveniles—some as young as twelve—are subjected to wrongful arrests, extortion, and custodial abuse. These findings are not just data points; they serve as the foundation for legal reform, public awareness campaigns, and policy engagement with state institutions. By bringing these stories to light, we push for child-sensitive justice processes that prioritize rehabilitation over punishment and ensure that children are treated with the care and protection they deserve.
Our advocacy is grounded in evidence and driven by the lived experiences of those most affected. We engage with policymakers, judicial actors, and civil society to push for systemic change that upholds the rights of juveniles. By transforming research into action, we work to end the cycle of abuse and neglect in the justice system, and to build a framework where every child is met with dignity, fairness, and the opportunity to grow
At JPP, we are dedicated to transforming the juvenile justice system. Our initiatives focus on providing legal representation, advocating for policy changes, and educating communities about the rights of youth. Together, we can create a safer and more equitable future for all children.
Community Education: Raising Awareness and Empowering Families
Learn More >We work tirelessly to influence legislation that impacts young lives.
Get Involved >We offer workshops and resources to help families navigate the system.
Join Us >
"JPP's advocacy transformed my life and gave me hope for a better future. Their support made all the difference in my journey through the justice system."
Former Juvenile Client
"JPP's advocacy transformed my life and gave me hope for a better future. Their support made all the difference in my journey through the justice system."
Former Juvenile Client
Help us protect children's rights in the justice system.
