The Minister of Justice, Me Moussa Sarr, has given his support to a new initiative aimed at providing a second chance for minors who have been in detention. This initiative was launched at a high-level panel discussion focused on creating a functional system and fund for the insertion and reintegration of young people in danger or in conflict with the law. According to the Ministry of Justice, nearly 17,000 minors are entrusted to the Directorate General of Judicial and Social Protection every year.
These minors, who are victims, witnesses, or in conflict with the law, require a response that goes beyond mere punishment and instead paves the way for reconstruction and autonomy. The Ministry of Justice notes that while progress has been made, there is still a weak link in the system, particularly after the minors leave the centers. In 2025, over 412 minors successfully completed professional exams in areas such as carpentry, hairdressing, and electrical work.
However, many of these minors still face significant challenges upon release, including a lack of internships, employment, financing, or support to start their own businesses. To address this issue, the Ministry of Justice has established the Fund for the Reintegration of Minors and Young Adults in Vulnerable Situations, which was instituted in 2024. The fund aims to provide support to these young people and help them reintegrate into society.
Me Moussa Sarr emphasized that the state cannot act alone in this initiative and called on companies, public structures, technical and financial partners, and civil society to open up their opportunities to these young people. The Ministry of Justice believes that providing a second chance to these minors is crucial in preventing them from returning to a life of poverty and crime.
The Ministry of Justice notes that behind each qualification achieved by these minors is a battle against returning to the streets, poverty, and sometimes recidivism. The ministry believes that giving these young people the means to seize their second chance is essential. To achieve this, the ministry is working to create a comprehensive support system that includes vocational training, internships, and employment opportunities.
The high-level panel discussion that launched the initiative brought together various stakeholders, including government officials, civil society representatives, and private sector actors. The discussion focused on the need for a coordinated approach to supporting vulnerable youth and the importance of providing them with the skills and resources they need to succeed.
The initiative is part of a broader effort by the Senegalese government to address the needs of vulnerable youth and to promote their social and economic integration. The government has recognized that investing in the future of these young people is crucial for the country's development and stability.
Key points
- The Senegalese government has established a fund to support the reintegration of minors and young adults in vulnerable situations.
- The Minister of Justice, Me Moussa Sarr, has called on companies and civil society to support the initiative.
- The initiative aims to provide a second chance for minors who have been in detention and to support their social and economic integration.
