The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) is an international convention and an agreement among countries to protect children’s rights. The ratification of the CRC implies commitment to uphold its principles and to be accountable to the international community based on the CRC’s obligations. Brunei Darussalam has been a signatory to the CRC since 1995 and has undertaken legal and institutional reforms to align its juvenile justice system with the international child rights standards. This paper examines the extent to which Brunei Darussalam’s juvenile justice system, policies, and practices align with the four core principles of the CRC: the best interests of the child, non-discrimination, participation, and the right to protection from inhumane treatment. The paper analyses Brunei Darussalam’s statutory provisions on juvenile justice, such as the Children and Young Persons Act (CYPA) and recent amendments to juvenile procedures and assesses their practical application in judicial and correctional settings. Using the legal analysis method and case studies/policy reviews, the paper identifies progress made in the promotion of child rights and fulfilment of Brunei’s international obligations under the CRC. Challenges in translating CRC obligations into practice were identified. The paper highlights the gaps in implementation caused by limited institutional capacity, lack of awareness, and inconsistencies in enforcement. The paper concludes by advocating for juvenile justice policy reform, capacity building among juvenile justice actors, and strengthening of Brunei Darussalam’s juvenile justice system to fully align with CRC standards.
DOI: 10.59324/ejahss.2026.3(4).01
Publication Date: 2026-06-17