In a recent visit to Peru, the UN Subcommittee on the Prevention of Torture (SPT) has raised significant concerns over the detention conditions of juveniles in adult prisons, highlighting issues such as severe overcrowding and extended pretrial detention periods. This comes in the wake of a new legislative measure passed by the Peruvian Congress that permits the criminal prosecution of 16- and 17-year-olds as adults for grave offenses like murder and sexual assault. [Read more about the UN experts' visit](https://www.ohchr.org/en/press-releases/2025/06/peru-un-experts-raise-concern-over-juvenile-detention-adult-prisons)

The legislation aims to curb the exploitation of minors by criminal syndicates by closing legal loopholes that previously allowed juveniles to escape adult charges. However, this approach has sparked a backlash from various human rights groups and legal experts, who argue that it undermines the rights of young individuals under international juvenile justice standards. [Details of the new law](https://hitscancun.com/peru-approves-law-allowing-teenagers-aged-16-and-17-to-be-criminally-prosecuted-for-serious-crimes/)

According to Brasholt, a member of the SPT, "We also want to express special concern regarding the new law that incorporates adolescents ages 16 and 17 as punishable in the adult penal system.” The law not only contravenes international standards that advocate for the protection of all individuals under 18 within the juvenile system but also poses significant risks regarding the treatment and rights of minors.

UNICEF underscores that the minimum age of criminal responsibility should remain at 18, emphasizing that all young offenders should benefit from the protections afforded by the juvenile justice system. The agency strongly recommends against provisions that lower protective standards based on the type of offense or that grant judges the discretion to choose between adult and juvenile legal procedures. [UNICEF's stance on juvenile justice](https://www.unicef.org/lac/media/2771/file/PDF%20Minimum%20age%20for%20criminal%20responsibility.pdf)

The recent legislative changes in Peru represent a significant shift in how juveniles are prosecuted and have stirred an urgent dialogue about the alignment of national laws with international human rights standards. The global community continues to watch closely as these developments unfold, with many advocating for a reconsideration of the law to better protect the rights and futures of Peru's youth.

For further details on the concerns expressed by UN rights experts, visit [JURIST - News](https://www.jurist.org/news/2025/06/peru-juvenile-detention-in-adult-prisons-concerns-un-rights-experts/).