CHR: Children tagged in violence may also need protection, intervention

In the aftermath of the tragic shooting in a Zamboanga school, the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) urged the public to refrain from judgement without understanding the whole context, adding that the child tagged in violence might also need protection.

The shooting in Ateneo de Zamboanga left two people dead, including the shooter himself. As the community deals with the aftermath, the CHR said that there needs to be a more nuanced approach to juvenile justice and child protection.

“While the violence and loss of life must be unequivocally condemned, judgment about the child involved should not precede a full understanding of the circumstances surrounding the incident,” the CHR said in a statement.

“A rights-based juvenile justice system holds children accountable in ways appropriate to their age and development, while recognising that children involved in violence may themselves require protection and intervention,” it added.

Child protection, accountability and violence prevention do not need to compete, the CHR said.

The commission said that authorities must have an exhaustive investigation, examining factors that contributed to the child’s actions, which included access to firearms, family support, and environment.

Authorities must find out how the minor was able to gain access to a firearm as well, the CHR said.

The CHR also urged the media to exercise care when reporting the incident, as the case should not sensationalize the violence.

“We likewise appeal to the public to refrain from sharing identities, photographs, videos, or other information that may expose the children involved or cause further distress,” the CHR said. —Jean Mangaluz/RF, GMA News