Brussels, 17/12/2015 (Agence Europe) - On Wednesday 16 December, the Council of the EU and European Parliament struck a political agreement on the draft directive to increase the rights of children and minors suspected of committing crimes, as part of legal procedures, (see EUROPE 11248 and 11097).
The new rules are expected to affect millions of children every year, as well as strengthen the right of children to have the assistance of a lawyer in the majority of cases, as well as those of their parents or person close to them. They will also have the right not to be heard in public hearings, explained the European Commission in a press release.
The specific needs of children will have to be taken more into account, such as their needs in terms of education and social integration. Children and minors will also have to be detained in places that are separated from adults, indicates the text in the future directive. (Original version in French by Solenn Paulic)