Rights of Juveniles in the Justice System in Bahrain
Reviewed by the Commoner Law Editorial Team. Sourced from Bahraini national legislation, decree-laws, and ministerial orders. Written in plain language for general understanding — this is educational content, not legal advice. Our editorial standards
What is this right?
Bahrain's 2021 Restorative Justice Law for Children introduced a progressive approach that prioritises rehabilitation over punishment:
- Age of criminal responsibility: Children under 15 years old cannot be held criminally responsible. Rehabilitation measures replace punishment.
- Restorative justice priority: Law No. 4 of 2021 mandates that courts prioritise mediation, community service, and rehabilitation programmes over imprisonment for juveniles aged 15-17.
- Separate detention: Juveniles must be held in specialised facilities — never with adult detainees.
- Immediate parental notification: Parents or guardians must be notified immediately when a child is arrested — police cannot question a juvenile without a responsible adult present.
- Mandatory legal representation: A juvenile must have a lawyer present during all questioning and court proceedings, regardless of the severity of the charge.
- Privacy protections: Juvenile proceedings are confidential — names, photos, and identifying details cannot be published or broadcast.
When does it apply?
- A person under 18 years old has been arrested or accused of a crime.
- A child under 15 is being treated as criminally responsible — this would be unlawful.
- A juvenile is being held in an adult detention facility or questioned without a parent and lawyer.
What to Do If a Child Is Arrested Without a Parent Present or Held With Adult Detainees in Bahrain
- Inform the authorities of the juvenile's age and provide identification — the age determines which rules apply.
- Ensure parents or guardians are notified and present before any questioning begins.
- Request a lawyer immediately — representation is mandatory and non-waivable for juveniles.
- If the juvenile is held with adults or subjected to adult criminal procedures, report immediately to the lawyer, the NIHR, or the PDRC.
What should you NOT do?
- Do not allow questioning without both a lawyer and parent/guardian present — any statements taken without these safeguards are challengeable.
- Do not accept adult criminal procedures for anyone under 18 — the 2021 Restorative Justice Law applies.
- Do not share the juvenile's identity — publishing their name, photo, or details violates their legally protected privacy.
Common Questions
When does it apply — rights of juveniles in the justice system?
A person under 18 years old has been arrested or accused of a crime.A child under 15 is being treated as criminally responsible — this would be unlawful.A juvenile is being held in an adult detention facility or questioned without a parent and lawyer.
What should I do if my child has been arrested in Bahrain and is being questioned without a lawyer or parent present?
Inform the authorities of the juvenile's age and provide identification — the age determines which rules apply.Ensure parents or guardians are notified and present before any questioning begins.Request a lawyer immediately — representation is mandatory and non-waivable for juveniles.If the juvenile is held with adults or subjected to adult criminal procedures, report immediately to the lawyer, the NIHR, or the PDRC.
What should you NOT do — rights of juveniles in the justice system?
Do not allow questioning without both a lawyer and parent/guardian present — any statements taken without these safeguards are challengeable.Do not accept adult criminal procedures for anyone under 18 — the 2021 Restorative Justice Law applies.Do not share the juvenile's identity — publishing their name, photo, or details violates their legally protected privacy.