Bulgaria faces challenges in child protection and juvenile justice reform

Bulgaria is facing critical challenges regarding child welfare and juvenile justice. The Bulgarian Helsinki Committee has criticized government proposals to combat juvenile delinquency by increasing criminal penalties. The Committee argues that the current law, dating back to 1958, is outdated and contradicts international human rights standards. They advocate for a reform focused on prevention and support for at-risk families rather than purely punitive measures.

Simultaneously, the State Agency for Child Protection has reported alarming trends in child welfare. Dr. Teodora Ivanova highlighted cases of extreme early pregnancy, including a 10-year-old, and noted that the youngest recorded birth occurred at age 11. These issues are linked to early marriage and high school dropout rates, with approximately 16% of high school-aged children systematically absent from the education system. Officials are calling for better inter-agency communication and stronger preventative measures involving parents.