THE HAGUE: Pakistani legal writer Sharafat A. Chaudhry, author of Juvenile Justice: Theory and Practice, delivered an engaging academic session on juvenile justice at the invitation of the South and South-East Asia (SSEA) Committee at the Hague Campus of Leiden University, followed by the formal launch of his book
The event brought together students and practitioners for a meaningful and thought-provoking dialogue on contemporary juvenile justice issues, with particular emphasis on South Asia. The event was efficiently organized and hosted by the student leadership team, including Ms. Nikki Reisinger (President), Ms. Naga Brenner (Secretary), and Ms. Tasha Stoppler (Treasurer), who warmly welcomed the author and facilitated the proceedings with professionalism.
During the session, Mr. Chaudhry presented key concepts from his work, highlighting the evolving paradigm of juvenile justice in South Asia, particularly the global shift from retributive approaches toward rehabilitation and social reintegration. He also addressed practical challenges in implementing child rights frameworks and advancing legislative reforms in Pakistan.
The committee acknowledges efforts of Pakistani Counsellor Mr. Muhammad Shafiq Haider Virk for his role in facilitating coordination and engagement in the matter
Participants actively engaged in interactive discussions to examine juvenile justice systems from a comparative perspective. Core themes from the book, ranging from the theoretical foundations of juvenile delinquency to procedural safeguards, diversion mechanisms, and rehabilitation, were critically explored in light of international best practices and alongside their application and evolution within South Asian contexts.
The session concluded with the formal launch of Juvenile Justice: Theory and Practice. Attendees had the opportunity to interact with the author and receive signed copies, marking a memorable and fitting conclusion to the event.
It is noteworthy that the book was originally scheduled to be launched in Pakistan on 9 April 2026; however, the event was postponed due to security arrangements and the arrival of high-level international delegations in Islamabad in connection with ongoing peace talks. The successful launch by SSEA at the Hague Campus, therefore, provided an important international platform for initiating dialogue on juvenile justice reform.
The organizing committee extended its sincere appreciation to Mr. Chaudhry for delivering an insightful and engaging session, recognizing both the depth of his expertise and the contemporary relevance of his work. Special appreciation was also extended to the Embassy of Pakistan in The Hague for its support.
The committee further acknowledged the efforts of Pakistani Counsellor Mr. Muhammad Shafiq Haider Virk for his role in facilitating coordination and engagement. The session reflected a growing academic and professional interest in rights-based, child-sensitive justice systems and underscored the importance of cross-regional learning in strengthening juvenile justice frameworks.
A Book Born from the Law It Describes
Sharafat A. Chaudhry is the principal drafter of the Juvenile Justice System Act (JJSA), 2018 – landmark legislation he developed through an inclusive consultative process spanning 2014 to 2018. The book is, therefore, not merely a commentary on Pakistan’s child justice framework – it is a firsthand account by the architect of that framework. Co-authored with Rabia Mustafa, Director of Research and Publications at the School for Law and Development (SLD), the book is published by SLD and brings together legislative draftsmanship, field-based training, socio-legal research, and academic scholarship into a single, cohesive intellectual project. The JJSA 2018 marked a decisive shift in Pakistan’s treatment of child offenders – institutionalizing diversion, rehabilitation, and child-sensitive procedures in alignment with the Convention on the Rights of the Child and international human rights norms.
