Youth Justice
Children around the world who are arrested and incarcerated for alleged wrongdoing are often denied the protections they are entitled to under the Convention on the Rights of the Child. In many countries, children are charged and sentenced for acts that should not be crimes—such as truancy or misbehavior at home. Many states unnecessarily incarcerate children and youth, instead of prioritizing treatment, support systems, and education to address behavior. Some states set a minimum age of criminal responsibility lower than the internationally acceptable age of 14. Some states also treat certain children as if they were adults during their trial and sentencing. Sentences of death, life without parole, and corporal punishment are still handed down in some countries, in violation of international law. The international prohibition on detaining children with adults is also often violated.
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Asia
October 21, 2024
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Asia
September 4, 2024
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United States
Videos
Videos-
June 28, 2023
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April 25, 2023
Iran: Security Forces Kill, Torture, Abuse Children
Young Protesters Unlawfully Detained
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June 30, 2020
“You Have No Right to Complain”
Education, Social Restrictions, and Justice in Taliban-Held Afghanistan
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News
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December 19, 2023
10 Good News Stories for Kids in 2023
Despite a Difficult Year, Children’s Rights Made Progress
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September 15, 2023
The US Is Not Protecting Its Children
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September 7, 2023
No US State Meets Child Rights Standards
Updated Scorecard Shows Improvement, but Many States Still Fail Children
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June 28, 2023
US: Californians Once Facing Life without Parole Give Back
Landmark Decisions for Release Result in Stronger Communities
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June 28, 2023
“I Just Want to Give Back”: The Reintegration of People Sentenced to Life Without Parole
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April 25, 2023
Iran: Security Forces Kill, Torture, Abuse Children
Young Protesters Unlawfully Detained
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December 20, 2022
Ten Good News Stories for Kids in 2022
Banning Child Marriage and Corporal Punishment among Children’s Gains
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October 3, 2022
Nigeria Agrees to End Military Detention of Children
Pledges Swift Reintegration Support for Boko Haram Suspects
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September 13, 2022
The US Record on Protecting Our Children Is Abysmal
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September 13, 2022
US States Fail to Protect Children’s Rights
New Scorecard Gives Only 4 a ‘C’ Grade; 46 Get ‘D’ or ‘F’