Lithuanian government approves stricter protections for minors against sexual offenders

The Lithuanian government has approved proposals by the Ministry of Justice to strengthen protections for minors against individuals convicted of violent crimes against children, LRT reports.

Under the proposed amendments, institutions will be required to improve cooperation and ensure the State Child Rights Protection and Adoption Service receives timely information about convicted offenders. The changes also introduce a ban on any contact between offenders and their minor victims or other minors, as well as mandatory electronic monitoring during short-term leave from detention.

Additionally, authorities will gain expanded powers to oversee the behaviour of convicted individuals beyond the confines of detention facilities.

Justice Minister Rita Tamašunienė stated that the reforms aim to prevent further harm to affected children and reduce risks to other minors. “The proposed changes strengthen inter-institutional cooperation, address existing legal gaps, and contribute to a more effective child protection system,” she said.

According to ministry data, around 170 individuals are currently serving sentences for sexual crimes against minors, with approximately 60 of them convicted of offences against their own children.