In the midst of ongoing discussions regarding juvenile justice reform, Prosecutor General Hussain Shameem has urged a fundamental shift in strategy. With the government considering lowering the age of criminal responsibility, Shameem has cautioned against this approach, emphasizing the need to address the root causes of juvenile delinquency.

In a recent article on his blog, Shameem expressed concerns about the ineffectiveness of punitive measures in resolving the issue of child offenders. He argued that focusing solely on legal changes overlooks the underlying environmental factors contributing to youth involvement in crime.

Shameem highlighted socioeconomic disparities and exposure to crime as critical elements shaping children's behavior. He advocated for targeted interventions aimed at transforming the environments in which at-risk youth grow up, suggesting that such initiatives would yield more sustainable outcomes than incarceration.

Moreover, Shameem challenged the prevailing belief that criminal prosecution alone can resolve complex social issues like drug abuse. He called for a comprehensive approach that combines prevention, rehabilitation, and community support to address the root causes of juvenile delinquency.