inevitable, the Committee recommends the State Party to ensure that minors are
detained separate from adults in all correction facilities in the country.
38. Moreover, the Committee recommends the State Party to establish child friendly
courts across the country and to increase the working pool of psychologists and
social workers in the juvenile justice system. To this effect, the Committee
recommends the State Party to refer to the Guidelines on Action for Children in the
Justice System in Africa.
Children of Imprisoned Mothers
39. 30. The Committee notes with appreciation the adoption of Algerian Law No. 04-05
of 2005 which contains provisions in relation to children whose parents or caregivers
are imprisoned and recommends the State Party to avoid detention of mothers and
primary care givers and when detention deems to be inevitable to extend special
treatment for mothers throughout conviction, sentencing, imprisonment and
reintegration phases of the criminal justice process. To this effect, the Committee
recommends the State Party to consult General Comment No.1 of the ACERWC on
article 30 of the African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child.
Sexual Exploitation and abuse
40. There are indications that violence and sexual abuse are common in the State
Party. Researches show that children are abused by their parents and teachers
Therefore, the Committee urges the State Party to prevent and combat the crime of
sexual exploitation of children, to prosecute the perpetrators, and to set in place
rehabilitation and reintegration mechanisms for victims. In addition, the Committee
recommends the State Party to cooperate with neighboring countries to stop the
trafficking and smuggling of children. .
Harmful Traditional Practices
41. The Committee is highly concerned by the fact that the girl child marries before the
age of 18 years old. Therefore, the Committee recommends the State Party to
harmonize its law in line with article 21(2) of the African Children’s Charter setting
the minimum age of marriage for both boys and girls at the age of 18 years old.
42. Moreover, the Committee recommends the State Party to sensitize families,
community and religious leaders on the damaging effect of harmful traditional
practices on the physical, psychological and mental development of children.
I. Responsibilities of the Child
43. The Committee calls upon the State Party to create awareness among children
regarding their responsibility towards their family, the society and the State and to
ensure that children are given responsibilities taking into account their age, maturity