The Juvenile Justice Department, within the Ministry of Home Affairs, reminds all media practitioners and members of the public of their legal and ethical obligation to protect the identity of juveniles involved in legal proceedings.
𝗦𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝟭𝟬𝟬(𝟭) 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗝𝘂𝘃𝗲𝗻𝗶𝗹𝗲 𝗝𝘂𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗰𝗲 𝗔𝗰𝘁 𝟮𝟬𝟭𝟴 expressly prohibits the publication of the name or any information that identifies, or is likely to identify, a juvenile who is a party to, or otherwise concerned in, legal proceedings. These statutory protections are intended to safeguard the privacy, dignity and welfare of children who come into contact with the justice system.
𝐒𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝟏𝟏𝟔 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐉𝐮𝐯𝐞𝐧𝐢𝐥𝐞 𝐉𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐞 𝐀𝐜𝐭 𝟐𝟎𝟏𝟖 further provides that every person who contravenes 𝐬𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝟏𝟎𝟎(𝟏) 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐀𝐜𝐭 commits an offence and is liable on summary conviction to a fine of three hundred thousand Guyana dollars ($300,000.00) and to imprisonment for six (6) months.
The unauthorised publication or dissemination of a juvenile’s name, photograph, or any other identifying information—whether through print, broadcast, digital or social media—may constitute a breach of the 𝗝𝘂𝘃𝗲𝗻𝗶𝗹𝗲 𝗝𝘂𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗰𝗲 𝗔𝗰𝘁 𝟮𝟬𝟭𝟴. The Department reminds all media practitioners and members of the public that compliance with the 𝗔𝗰𝘁 is essential to protecting the rights and interests of children involved in legal proceedings.
The Ministry therefore urges all media organisations, journalists, editors, content creators and members of the public to exercise the highest level of responsibility when reporting on matters involving children. Specifically, all stakeholders are encouraged to:
* Refrain from publishing or sharing any information that could directly or indirectly identify a juvenile involved in legal proceedings.
* Respect and protect the privacy, dignity and rights of every child, recognising the potentially lifelong consequences of unlawful disclosure.
* Ensure continued compliance with the 𝑱𝒖𝒗𝒆𝒏𝒊𝒍𝒆 𝑱𝒖𝒔𝒕𝒊𝒄𝒆 𝑨𝒄𝒕, applicable child protection legislation and established ethical standards through regular training and review of reporting practices.
Protecting children is a shared national responsibility. The Ministry calls on all stakeholders to uphold the law and ensure that the rights, privacy and identities of juveniles are protected at all times.
