In Argentina, the evangelical community advocates for a reduction in the age of criminal accountability, emphasizing the need for exceptional protective measures and supportive public policies.
In Argentina, the largest evangelical institution, the Alianza Cristiana de Iglesias Evangélicas de la República Argentina (Aciera), has expressed its support for lowering the age of criminal accountability, diverging from the strong opposition shown by the Catholic Church. The evangelicals assert that such a measure should be seen as an exceptional protective action rather than a blanket solution to youth crime. They underscore the importance of not just adjusting legal frameworks but also implementing comprehensive public policies that address the root causes of juvenile delinquency.
Moreover, Aciera articulates critical concerns about the treatment of minors within the justice system. They stress the necessity to prevent minors from being transferred to adult prisons, advocating for specialized facilities tailored for children and adolescents. This call for reform also extends to the government, urging national and provincial authorities to allocate sufficient budgetary resources towards improving infrastructure and professional support services essential for rehabilitating young offenders.
This position illustrates a significant intersection between faith-based perspectives and social policy in Argentina, highlighting the evangelical commitment to both justice and mercy. While they back a controversial reform, their insistence on informed and humane treatment of minors signals a nuanced approach to the pressing issues of criminal responsibility and youth welfare in the country.
