Justice for Children in the Context of Counter Terrorism

Justice for Children in the Context of Counter-Terrorism: A Training Manual

by Kate Soper

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	713 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
X-Ray	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	258 pages
Paperback	:	150 pages
Item Weight	:	9.6 ounces
Dimensions	:	8.34 x 0.33 x 11.29 inches

FREE

Children are particularly vulnerable to the effects of terrorism and counter terrorism measures. They may be directly targeted as victims of violence, or they may suffer from the indirect consequences of conflict, such as displacement, poverty, and psychological trauma. In some cases, children may even be recruited into terrorist groups or used as child soldiers.

The need to protect children from terrorism and to ensure their well-being in the context of counter terrorism measures is a fundamental human rights and humanitarian imperative. However, finding an appropriate balance between security concerns and the protection of children's rights can be a complex and challenging task.

Key Issues and Challenges

There are a number of key issues and challenges that need to be considered in order to ensure justice for children in the context of counter terrorism:

• The definition of "terrorism" and its implications for children: The definition of terrorism is a complex and contested one. In some cases, children may be considered to be terrorists themselves, while in other cases they may be seen as victims of terrorism or as being at risk of being recruited into terrorist groups.
• The detention of children suspected of terrorism-related offenses: Children who are suspected of terrorism-related offenses may be detained for long periods of time, often in conditions that are not appropriate for children. They may also be subjected to interrogation and other forms of mistreatment.
• The prosecution of children for terrorism-related offenses: Children who are charged with terrorism-related offenses may face harsh sentences, including life imprisonment. The justice system may not always be able to take into account the special needs of children, and children may not have access to adequate legal representation.
• The rehabilitation and reintegration of children who have been involved in terrorism: Children who have been involved in terrorism need specialized care and support in order to be rehabilitated and reintegrated into society. This may include counseling, education, and vocational training.

Best Practices for Ensuring Justice for Children

There are a number of best practices that can be adopted to ensure justice for children in the context of counter terrorism:

• Develop a clear definition of terrorism that takes into account the special needs of children: The definition of terrorism should be based on the principle that children are not terrorists. Children should only be considered to be terrorists if they have committed a serious crime and if they have the capacity to understand the consequences of their actions.
• Establish clear guidelines for the detention of children suspected of terrorism-related offenses: Children should only be detained as a last resort and for the shortest possible period of time. Detention conditions should be appropriate for children and should not violate their rights.
• Ensure that children have access to fair trials: Children should have the right to a fair trial, including the right to legal representation. The justice system should take into account the special needs of children and should be able to provide appropriate support.
• Provide specialized care and support for children who have been involved in terrorism: Children who have been involved in terrorism need specialized care and support in order to be rehabilitated and reintegrated into society. This may include counseling, education, and vocational training.
• Promote prevention and early intervention: It is important to prevent children from becoming involved in terrorism in the first place. This can be done through education, community outreach, and other programs that aim to address the root causes of terrorism.

Ensuring justice for children in the context of counter terrorism is a complex and challenging task, but it is essential to protect the rights of children and to prevent them from becoming victims of terrorism or being recruited into terrorist groups. By adopting best practices and working together, we can create a world where children are safe from terrorism and where their rights are respected.

References

• United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (1989)
• United Nations Security Council Resolution 1612 (2005)
• United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) (2016). Children and armed conflict: Protecting children from recruitment and use.
• International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) (2016). Counter-terrorism and the rights of children: A practical guide for law enforcement officials.
• Human Rights Watch (2016). Children in the crossfire: Terrorism and the rights of children.

Justice for Children in the Context of Counter-Terrorism: A Training Manual

by Kate Soper

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	713 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
X-Ray	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	258 pages
Paperback	:	150 pages
Item Weight	:	9.6 ounces
Dimensions	:	8.34 x 0.33 x 11.29 inches

FREE