Women's Aid Organisation (WAO) refers to the conviction of the 13 year old boy, for murdering his 11 year old tuition teacher's daughter.

Our sympathies go out to the mother of the girl, but at the same time, we are also concerned about the boy because he is still a child. Although the boy was tried as an adult, his rights as a child should still be protected. The legal system works broadly on the standards of a "reasonable man", but this does not afford adequate consideration or protection to offenders with special circumstances, in example a woman who has been subjected to domestic violence for many many years, or in this case, a child. It can be unfair as the standards of provocation for an adult man would be different than that of a child. Nonetheless, even though this boy has been convicted as guilty, what should happen to him now should take into account that no matter what, he is still a child. His right to the right to survival; to develop to the fullest; to protection from harmful influences, abuse and exploitation; and to participate fully in family, cultural and social life should be protected as far as practicable.

This tragedy is symptomatic of a larger problem within our society. We have to question ourselves, what are we teaching our children that they are resorting to such violence to resolve their conflict.

Jaclyn Kee, Communications Officer