IRELAND - YOUTH DETENTION CENTRE HANDCUFF CONCERN

The Celtic League has written to the Irish Justice Minister expressing concern that United Nations juvenile rights principles were breached following reports that a child was handcuffed at a juvenile detention facility.

The League has called for safeguards to be put in place so that Ireland does not breach the UN Convention of the Rights of the Child or the UN Riyadh Guidelines.

The League has periodically raised concerns about juvenile justice issues with governments in Ireland, Wales(UK) and the Isle of Man.

"Dear Minister,

I write to express our concern at reports that following a recent incident at a detention centre for young offenders handcuffs were used to restrain one young person.

I am sure you will be aware that the use of handcuffs/shackles in this way is a clear breach of both Article 37 of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child and also the United Nations Guidelines for the Prevention of Juvenile Delinquency (The Riyadh Guidelines).

I understand that although detention centres in Ireland are funded by the Department of Education and Science they fall under the authority of a section of the Department of Justice.

I trust therefore you will enquire into the circumstances of this incident and issue clear instructions that handcuffs are not to be used in any future incidents.

Yours faithfully,

J B Moffatt"

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J B Moffatt Director of Information Celtic League

26/05/08