CRIMES COMMITTED BY MINORS AND THEIR LEGAL CONSEQUENCES

ISSN: 2181-3906 2025 International scientific journal «MODERN SCIENCE АND RESEARCH» VOLUME 4 / ISSUE 11 / UIF:8.2 / MODERNSCIENCE.UZ 349 CRIMES COMMITTED BY MINORS AND THEIR LEGAL CONSEQUENCES Urazov Xayotjon Ulug‘bek o‘g‘li Namangan State University Faculty of Law, 1st-year student https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.17574895 The fast-paced development of the modern world highlights the invaluable importance of legal idealism. However, this idealism is negatively affected by the rising crime index, which continues to exert a significant influence on social stability. What is particularly concerning is that nearly 50% of crimes committed worldwide involve minors. This article aims to examine the causes of juvenile delinquency, its consequences, and possible solutions. First of all, what does the term “juvenile subject of crime” mean? From a legal perspective, it refers to the actions or inactions of a minor that affect objects protected by criminal law. In other words, it reflects the participation of minors in legal relations within society. The criminal responsibility age varies across countries: for example, in the United States, the minimum age can be as low as six, while in many other countries it is generally set at 14–15 years. The international community, including the United Nations, is actively working to address this problem. The 1989 UN Convention on the Rights of the Child protects the rights of all individuals under the age of 18. According to the Convention, crimes committed by minors must be addressed through a special juvenile justice system, with an emphasis on educational and rehabilitative measures rather than punitive ones. According to statistics provided by UNICEF, young people between the ages of 15–19 and 20–24 are the most likely to commit crimes. Alarmingly, the rate of homicide within these age groups is significantly high: 18.5% of juvenile crimes are homicides, 26.3% involve acts of violence, and 6.2% consist of theft, robbery, and other property-related offenses. Several factors contribute to juvenile delinquency. The first among them is socioeconomic conditions. Economic development differs widely across countries. For example, the United Arab Emirates, which enjoys a strong economy, has a relatively low crime rate, whereas countries with weaker economies—such as Mexico—tend to experience higher crime levels. This shows that low household well-being can push minors toward criminal behavior. Social and psychological factors also play a major role. Domestic violence, lack of parental attention, emotional pressure, and negative treatment deeply affect a child’s psychological state. No child chooses the path of crime without reason; in most cases, improper parenting, neglect, or abuse drive minors toward harmful behaviors. Juvenile crime is a global issue that requires coordinated international action. The UN and other international organizations must intensify efforts in this field. Firstly, international standards for the protection of children's rights must be reinforced. The Convention on the Rights of the Child and its optional protocols should be fully implemented by all member states, and monitoring mechanisms must be strengthened. Secondly, the UN, UNICEF, and UNODC should expand comprehensive programs addressing root causes such as poverty, lack of education, domestic violence, and online risks. ISSN: 2181-3906 2025 International scientific journal «MODERN SCIENCE АND RESEARCH» VOLUME 4 / ISSUE 11 / UIF:8.2 / MODERNSCIENCE.UZ 350 Thirdly, countries should receive assistance in improving juvenile justice systems, training police and judicial personnel who work with minors, and developing rehabilitation centers. The primary goal should be reintegration—not punishment. Through this approach, crime rates among minors, who represent the foundation of the world’s future, can be significantly reduced. In conclusion, juvenile delinquency is a complex and multifaceted social issue. For its effective resolution, states must strengthen preventive measures, improve education and social protection, while the United Nations and international organizations must further develop global standards and joint programs aimed at safeguarding children.