A local advocacy group has objected to the imposition of mandatory minimum sentencing for minors who are convicted of murder.

The Fi We Children Foundation said the amendment violates constitutional and international legal standards.

Parliament on Tuesday passed bills that seek to appropriately treat with and increase the penalties for the offence of murder under Jamaican law.

While closing the debate on the bills, Minister of Justice Delroy Chuck explained that for the Child Care and Protection Amendment Bill, the proposal is that if the child is convicted of capital murder, he or she shall be sentenced to a term of imprisonment for life,  or to a term not less than 30 years.

However, the child will be eligible for parole after serving 15 years.

If the child is convicted of non-capital murder, he or she shall be sentenced to a term of imprisonment for life, or for such other term as the court considers appropriate.

The court will also have the latitude to determine the years that must be served before the child becomes eligible for parole.

In reacting to the legislative changes, Fi We Children Foundation said the amendments violate the constitutional rights of children and undermine Jamaica’s obligations under international human rights law.

Communications coordinator Danneak Irons said the amendments ignore the fact that many of these children are themselves victims.

The Foundation has called on the Senate to reconsider these provisions in favour of more child-centered, rehabilitative approaches.