The Argentine Society of Pediatrics (SAP) and Unicef have expressed opposition to an initiative that seeks to penalize the most vulnerable children starting at the age of thirteen. Both organizations reject this modification and have based their stance on current scientific and statistical data. The pediatricians who signed the document express their concern about the possible criminalization of the most disadvantaged sectors of childhood and adolescence.
SAP argues that it is essential to consider the social, cultural, and personal reality of a child or adolescent when evaluating their criminal responsibility. More than six hundred pediatricians have demanded that legislators reject the project to lower the age of criminal liability for children. This rejection has intensified following the National Congress of Social Pediatrics in September, where it was decided to strengthen the opposition to this measure.
Experts argue that criminalizing childhood and adolescence is not the solution, and that in most cases, the vulnerability of minors is related to situations of poverty and neglect. They highlight the essential role of pediatricians and other health professionals in detecting and protecting children in at-risk situations.
On the other hand, Unicef points out that the lack of criminal responsibility for adolescents is based on their immaturity and lack of full awareness to make responsible decisions. Lowering the age of criminal liability will not solve the problems of violence and insecurity, as most serious crimes are committed by individuals over the age of 18. Countries with lower ages of criminal liability do not necessarily have lower crime rates.
In summary, pediatricians and Unicef agree that penalizing vulnerable children is not the solution to address insecurity. It is important to consider the social and family context in which minors operate, and to work on the prevention and protection of their well-being instead of opting for punitive measures.
