training for police officers on Child rights

Child rights

1. SOMALILAND HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION Child Rights Sensitivity in Policing Presented by : Mr. Omer Seid Jama MA D&IR Date: 9 July 2024

2. OUT LINE Concept of Child Rights Key aspects of child rights Significance of Child Rights in Policing Child Policing in the Criminal Justice System Key aspects Importance of Child Policing in the Criminal Justice System Guiding Principles in Policing and Child Protection

3. Concept of Child Rights Child rights are specific human rights that apply to all individuals under the age of 18. These rights are enshrined in various international treaties, most notably the universal declaration of human. Definitions a child means every human being below the age of eighteen years unless under the law applicable to the child, majority is attained earlier. (CRC, 1989) a child means every human being below the age of 18 years. (AFRICAN CHARTER ON THE RIGHTS AND WELFARE OF THE CHILD) 1990, 1999. A Child refers to anyone under the age of 15 SL JJL (LR-36/2007) A Child refers to anyone under the age of 15 Child protection Act 15, LR 102/2022 Islamic Thought Shific , Maliki , Hanafi and Hanbali

4. KEY ASPECTS OF CHILD RIGHTS 1 . Right to Survival: Ensuring that children have access to basic necessities such as adequate nutrition, healthcare, and living conditions. 2. Right to Development: Guaranteeing that children have access to education, play, and cultural activities, as well as opportunities for mental and physical development. 3. Right to Protection: Safeguarding children from all forms of abuse, exploitation, and neglect. 4. Right to Participation: Ensuring that children have the opportunity to express their opinions and have a say in decisions affecting their lives.

5. SIGNIFICANCE OF CHILD RIGHTS IN POLICING Policing, when aligned with child rights, ensures that law enforcement agencies protect and promote the well-being of children in the community. The significance of integrating child rights into policing includes:   1. Protection from Abuse and Exploitation Police play a crucial role in identifying and responding to cases of child abuse, trafficking, and exploitation. By prioritizing child rights, law enforcement can better safeguard vulnerable children and hold perpetrators accountable. 2. Juvenile Justice Children in conflict with the law should be treated differently from adults. Policing should focus on rehabilitation rather than punishment, ensuring that juvenile justice processes are fair and in line with the best interests of the child.

6. 3. Safe Environments Police ensure that environments, such as schools and public spaces, are safe for children. This includes addressing issues like bullying, gang violence, and unsafe infrastructure. 4. Training and Awareness Officers trained in child rights are better equipped to handle cases involving children sensitively and appropriately. This training promotes understanding of the specific needs and rights of children. 5.Community Trust and Cooperation When police respect and uphold child rights, they build trust within the community. Families and children are more likely to cooperate with law enforcement, reporting crimes and seeking help when needed.

7. 6. Preventive Measures Policing that focuses on child rights includes preventive measures, such as community outreach and education programs, to address the root causes of issues like juvenile delinquency and child exploitation. 7.Holistic Support Police often work in collaboration with other child protection agencies, such as social services, healthcare, and education sectors. This multidisciplinary approach ensures that children receive comprehensive support tailored to their specific needs. Incorporating child rights into policing is essential for creating a safe and just society where children can thrive and develop to their full potential. This approach not only benefits children but also contributes to the overall well-being and stability of communities.

8. Child policing within the criminal justice system involves specialized practices and approaches aimed at addressing the needs and rights of children, whether they are victims, witnesses, or offenders. This approach is guided by the principles of child rights and aims to ensure that children's interactions with the criminal justice system are handled with care, fairness, and in their best interests. CHILD POLICING IN THE CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM

9. KEY ASPECTS INCLUDE 1. Specialized Juvenile Units Many law enforcement agencies have dedicated units that focus specifically on crimes involving children. These units are staffed by officers trained in child psychology and child rights. 2. Child-Friendly Procedures Investigative procedures are adapted to be less intimidating for children. This includes using child-friendly interview techniques, providing safe and comfortable interview environments, and ensuring the presence of a guardian or advocate.   3. Diversion Programs Diversion programs aim to redirect juvenile offenders away from the formal criminal justice system and towards rehabilitative services. This approach focuses on education, counseling, and community service rather than punishment.

10. 4. Legal Protections and Rights Children have specific legal protections under international and national laws. This includes the right to legal representation, the right to have their privacy protected, and the right to be heard in judicial proceedings.  5. Rehabilitation and Reintegration The focus for juvenile offenders is on rehabilitation and reintegration into society. Programs are designed to address underlying issues such as substance abuse, mental health problems, and lack of education.   6. Collaboration with Child Protection Services Effective child policing involves close collaboration with child protection services, social workers, psychologists, and other relevant agencies to provide a comprehensive support system for children.

11. 7. Training and Capacity Building Ongoing training for police officers on child rights, child development, and best practices in handling cases involving children is essential. This ensures that officers are equipped to handle these cases sensitively and effectively.  8. Community Engagement and Prevention Engaging with communities to educate them about child rights and the role of the police in protecting children is crucial. Preventive measures, such as community policing and awareness campaigns, help reduce the incidence of child-related crimes.  9. Monitoring and Accountability Establishing mechanisms for monitoring the treatment of children within the criminal justice system and holding law enforcement accountable for their actions ensures that children's rights are upheld.

12. IMPORTANCE OF CHILD POLICING IN THE CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM   1. Protects Vulnerable Populations Children are among the most vulnerable members of society. Specialized policing ensures they receive the protection and support they need.  2. Promotes Fair Treatment Ensuring that children are treated fairly and justly within the criminal justice system helps to prevent re-victimization and trauma.   3. Reduces Recidivism Rehabilitation-focused approaches reduce the likelihood of reoffending by addressing the root causes of juvenile delinquency and supporting positive development.

13. 4. Builds Trust in Law Enforcement When police demonstrate a commitment to protecting children and respecting their rights, it builds trust within the community, encouraging cooperation and support.  5. Ensures Compliance with International Standards Adhering to international conventions, such as the UNCRC, aligns national practices with global standards for the treatment of children in the criminal justice system.  By prioritizing child policing, the criminal justice system can better serve the needs of children and contribute to the creation of a safer, more just society for all.

14. GUIDING PRINCIPLES IN POLICING AND CHILD PROTECTION 1. Best Interests of the Child All actions taken by law enforcement should prioritize the best interests of the child. This principle is central to the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) and ensures that children's safety, well-being, and development are the primary considerations.   2. Non-Discrimination Children should be protected from discrimination of any kind, regardless of their race, gender, nationality, religion, disability, or socioeconomic status. Policing practices must ensure equality and fairness in the treatment of all children.  3. Right to Participation Children have the right to express their views freely in all matters affecting them and to have their opinions taken into account. Police officers should ensure that children are heard and their perspectives are considered during investigations and legal proceedings.

15. 4. Protection from Harm Law enforcement must take proactive measures to protect children from all forms of physical or mental violence, injury, abuse, neglect, maltreatment, and exploitation. This includes identifying at-risk children and intervening appropriately to safeguard their well-being.   5. Confidentiality and Privacy Protecting the privacy and confidentiality of children involved in the criminal justice system is crucial. Information about a child’s involvement should be kept confidential to avoid stigmatization and potential harm.   6. Child-Friendly Communication Police officers should use language and communication methods that are appropriate for the child’s age, maturity, and understanding. This helps ensure that children comprehend the processes and can effectively participate.

16. 7. Specialized Training Law enforcement personnel should receive specialized training in child rights, child development, and appropriate methods for interacting with children. This training enables officers to handle cases involving children sensitively and effectively.  8. Collaboration and Coordination Effective child protection requires collaboration between law enforcement, child protection services, healthcare providers, educators, and other relevant agencies. Coordinated efforts ensure a holistic approach to addressing the needs and rights of children.  9. Accountability and Transparency Police actions involving children must be transparent and subject to oversight to ensure accountability. Mechanisms should be in place to monitor and evaluate the treatment of children within the criminal justice system.

17. 10. Prevention and Early Intervention Policing strategies should include preventive measures and early intervention to address issues before they escalate. This includes community engagement, education, and outreach programs aimed at reducing risks and promoting the safety and well-being of children.  11. Rehabilitation and Reintegration For children in conflict with the law, the focus should be on rehabilitation and reintegration rather than punitive measures. Providing support and opportunities for positive development helps prevent reoffending and supports the child’s future.  By adhering to these guiding principles, law enforcement can effectively protect and promote the rights and well-being of children, ensuring that their interactions with the criminal justice system are just, humane, and supportive of their development.