The criminal law and responsibilities of children in Ukraine

The children are physically and mentally not as mature as adults.

Approaches being used in specialized justice systems for minors

don't recognize that young people are not adults and they have a different

level of development or maturity.

Young Ukrainians have limited legal capacity until they reach the age of majority.

Young Ukrainians can vote until the age of 18.

Young people can not be employed until they reach the age of 16.

In Ukraine, the current age for full criminal responsibility is 18.

Young Ukrainians are responsible for administrative offences from the age of 16.

Persons who have committed a number of specifically listed offences can be held criminally liable from the age of 14.

Ukrainian legislation does not recognize that young offenders are not adults and therefore, deals with them in a special manner that is most appropriate for their age and level of development.

At this time, the level of youth criminality in Ukraine is not too high.

More than 8,000 youth across the country are sentenced under the Criminal Code of Ukraine, of whom, 1400 received non-custodial sentences and more than 6,000 youth are currently incarcerated in youth colonies.

Young people need to be given an opportunity and the tools to become citizens who contribute to society, rather than pose a danger to their communities through

further criminal activity.