Campaigners warn of “forgotten” human rights

Human rights have been “forgotten” in the Youth
Justice Board’s draft code of practice on managing children
and young people’s behaviour in the secure estate,
campaigners have warned, writes Maria
Ahmed.

In its response to the YJB’s consultation on the code,
which closed last week, the Howard League for Penal Reform
expressed “disappointment” at the omission of the
United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child.

It said: “It is our contention that [the convention]
should always be the starting point for any policies relating to
children, in the community or in custody.”

The British Association of Social Workers also warned that the
human rights of children and young people in custody “were
not being upheld”.

BASW’s response to the YJB consultation said current
provision in the secure estate was “woefully
inadequate” for safeguarding and promoting the welfare of
children and young people.

The league also called for greater involvement of children in
the management of institutions and said statements of acceptable
behaviour should apply equally to managers, staff and children.