The role of Beninese institutions in the judicial protection of minors
The judicial protection of minors is a major issue in Benin. Institutions such as the Ministry of Justice, the juvenile police, social services, and civil society organizations work together to provide care for children who are victims of violence, exploitation, or delinquency.
These entities rely on national legislation and international conventions to provide appropriate legal, educational, and social support aimed at safeguarding children’s well-being and fundamental rights. The judicial protection of minors in Benin is a rapidly evolving field, reflecting the government’s commitment to children’s rights and the fight against violations of their fundamental rights.
According to data from the Ministry of Justice, dozens of children are involved in legal proceedings each year, whether as victims of violence, juvenile delinquency, or situations of vulnerability. Benin has robust legislation regarding the protection of minors. Law No. 2015-08 on the Children’s Code of the Republic of Benin defines children’s fundamental rights and establishes the legal and social measures designed to benefit them.
It is based on the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC), ratified by Benin, which requires States Parties to guarantee children protection against all forms of abuse and discrimination. The Beninese Code of Criminal Procedure also includes specific provisions for juvenile offenders, including the establishment of adapted procedures and the involvement of specialized social services for their reintegration. The objective is to prioritize educational and rehabilitative measures rather than purely punitive sanctions.
The key players in judicial protection…
At the heart of the system, several institutions play a central role, such as the Ministry of Justice, through the Directorate for Legal and Judicial Protection of Children (DPJJE), which coordinates the implementation of protective measures.
Departmental social services, in collaboration with NGOs, provide psychological and educational support to child victims or those in conflict with the law, while civil society organizations complement the system by raising community awareness and offering care and reintegration services.
According to Daniel FONDJI, a sociologist and specialist in children’s rights, “judicial protection of minors cannot be limited to the courts. It requires a coordinated network involving the justice system, social services, and community actors. Benin is making progress, but it remains crucial to strengthen the training of judges and specialized educators to better meet children’s needs.”
Challenges and prospects…
Despite these advances, several challenges remain. The shortage of specialized judges, the lack of logistical resources, inadequate educational infrastructure, and the persistence of certain cultural practices that infringe upon children’s rights limit the system’s effectiveness.
The Beninese government, aware of these shortcomings, has initiated reforms to strengthen the system, notably through ongoing training for judges and educators, the development of rehabilitation and psychosocial support centers for child victims and offenders, and intensified collaboration with civil society and international partners to access additional expertise and resources.
According to Micheline GANDONO, a social worker and child protection consultant, “one of the priorities is to raise community awareness about children’s rights. Too often, the justice system alone is not enough. Prevention and education are essential tools for reducing violations and delinquency.”
Benin has established a robust legal and institutional framework for the judicial protection of minors, combining specialized courts, social services, and community actors. While challenges remain, particularly regarding resources and public awareness, ongoing initiatives demonstrate a genuine commitment to ensuring a safe and protective environment for children.
Coordination between institutions and civil society, supported by national legislation and international conventions, forms the foundation of a system capable of meeting the needs of minors and promoting their social reintegration.