Detained Children: Vulnerability, Violence and Violation of Rights

Abstract

The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) establishes provisions and protections to which under-18s are entitled; establishing state obligations to ensure the realisation of children’s rights for all, including ‘disadvantaged’ or ‘vulnerable’ groups. This article focuses on children in England and Wales deprived of their liberty in secure care for their own or others’ protection or in custody as a result of criminal justice proceedings. It explores the proposition that secure care and custody exacerbate the existing vulnerabilities of detained children, especially in custodial settings where violence is institutionalised. Demonstrating consistent breaches of international standards, it considers the actions required to ensure the implementation of rights and effective accountability through policy and practice grounded in social justice priorities.