The objects of this Act are to—
| (a) |
protect the rights of children as provided for in the Constitution; |
| (b) |
promote the spirit of ubuntu in the child justice system through— |
| (i) |
fostering children's sense of dignity and worth; |
| (ii) |
reinforcing children's respect for human rights and the fundamental freedoms of others by holding children accountable for their actions and safe-guarding the interests of victims and the community; |
| (iv) |
involving parents, families, victims and, where appropriate, other members of the community affected by the crime in procedures in terms of this Act in order to encourage the reintegration of children; |
| (c) |
provide for the special treatment of children in a child justice system designed to break the cycle of crime, which will contribute to safer communities, and encourage these children to become law-abiding and productive adults; |
| (d) |
prevent children from being exposed to the adverse effects of the formal criminal justice system by using, where appropriate, processes, procedures, mechanisms, services or options more suitable to the needs of children and in accordance with the Constitution, including the use of diversion; and |
| (e) |
promote co-operation between government departments, and between government departments and the non-governmental sector and civil society, to ensure an integrated and holistic approach in the implementation of this Act. |
Statistics Act, 1999
