NCJ Number
182537
Date Published
1999
Length
13 pages
Annotation
After briefly profiling the problem of violence against children, this paper details the established international human rights norms that prohibit violence against children, followed by a discussion of the activities of the United Nations Commission on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice in the area of children and their role in the criminal justice system.
Abstract
For the purpose of this paper, "violence against children" is broadly defined to include "deliberate behavior by people against children that is likely to cause physical or psychological harm." A "child" is defined by the Convention on the Rights of the Child as anyone under 18 years old. Among the issues reviewed in framing the scope of the problem of violence against children are sexual slavery, prostitution, pornography, and sex tourism. The treatment of child victims in the criminal justice system is also cited as a problem. An overview of international human rights norms that prohibit violence against children focuses on the general concept of children's rights, children as victims of violence and abuse, victims of sexual exploitation and trafficking for the purpose of sexual exploitation, victims of economic exploitation, victims sold for organ transplants or international adoption, and as instruments used in criminal activities. An overview of the activities of the United Nations Commission on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice focuses on guidelines for action on children in the criminal justice system, the United Nations Declaration of Basic Principles of Justice for Victims of Crime and Abuse of Power, the Resolution on the Instrumental Use of Children in Criminal Activities, model strategies and practical measures for eliminating violence against women, model treaties, juvenile justice standards, and guidelines on the role of prosecutors.