Submitted by Louise on
This report is part of CRIN's access to justice for children project, looking at the status of the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) in national law, the status of children involved in legal proceedings, the legal means to challenge violations of children’s rights and the practical considerations involved in challenging violations.
Gabon has ratified the CRC, however it is not incorporated into its domestic law in a single instrument. Ratified international treaties are directly enforceable in courts. Children can bring civil and administrative cases, and participate as victims (partie civile) in Criminal proceedings only with the assistance of an adult, most often one of their parents. Legal aid is in theory available to individuals who do not have the ressources to defend their rights in civil and administrative court. However, the legal aid system appears insufficient. Courts can award damages and restitution, and administrative courts can annul administrative acts. Individual applications to the Constitutional Court are only available through an unconstitutionality claim raised during proceedings in a lower court. NGOs can submit complaints in regular courts in cases relating to child trafficking and exploitation.
