United Nations Guidelines for the Prevention of Juvenile Delinquency: Prevention of Juvenile Delinquency or Promotion of a Society Which Respects Children Too?

• NCJ Number: 163664
• Journal: Chronicle Volume: 5 Issue: 1 Dated: (Summer 1996) Pages: 4-11
• Author(s): E Verhellen; G Cappelaere
• Date Published: 1996
• Length: 8 pages
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Guideline
• Language: English
• Country: Ireland

Annotation

The Eighth United Nations (UN) Congress on the Prevention of Crime and the Treatment of Offenders resulted in two important resolutions: (1) guidelines for the prevention of juvenile delinquency; and (2) rules for the protection of young people who have been deprived of their liberty.

Abstract

Both resolutions complement previously adopted standard minimum rules for the administration of juvenile justice. They are comprehensive, promote a proactive approach to juvenile delinquency prevention, and consider children to be full participants in society. The guidelines deal with almost every social area related to family, school, and community, and prevention focuses on upgrading the quality of life. The guidelines incorporate special situations and special groups based on a child-centered orientation. Provisions in the guidelines stipulate that implementation must be within the framework of all UN instruments and norms related to the rights, interests, and well-being of children. Overall, the guidelines represent part of a recent but very strong movement to protect the human rights of children. 17 references