WILLEMSTAD - The Ministry of Justice has taken note of the ruling by the Court of First Instance of Curaçao (ECLI:NL:OGEAC:2025:222) concerning the unlawful placement of a minor in the closed section of the Curaçao Judicial Juvenile Institute (JJIC).

The Court concluded that the placement of the minor in JJIC’s secured section — which constitutes a restriction of liberty — occurred without sufficient legal basis. The Ministry of Justice deeply regrets this situation.

Although the shortage of personnel within the judicial chain remains a continuous challenge, this can never serve as justification for failing to comply with the applicable legal standards. The Ministry recognizes that the Government has an obligation to strictly adhere to the provisions of the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) and the International Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC).

In response to the Court’s decision, corrective measures have already been implemented, and internal procedures have been adjusted to ensure that such a situation does not occur again in the future. Furthermore, the Ministry is preparing structural improvements to address juvenile justice issues, focusing on sustainable interventions tailored to individual needs, with the rights and well-being of minors at the center.

The Ministry of Justice reaffirms its commitment to lawful, careful, and child-oriented implementation of juvenile protection measures in Curaçao.