The United Kingdom government has been urged to think again about a proposal to consider allowing staff at young offenders institutions in England and Wales to use batons to control children as young as 15.
In a letter to the Justice Minister, Jack Straw, the Celtic League say that the proposals fly in the face of International Conventions on the treatment of young offenders specifically the United Nations Standard Minimum Rules for the Administration of Juvenile Justice (The Beijing Rules) and United Nations Guidelines for the Prevention of Juvenile Delinquency (The Riyadh Guidelines).
The League also say it will register its concerns with the United Nations Committee on the Rights of the Child and the European Committee for the protection of Torture and Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment.
The Celtic League will also urge devolved administrations in the United Kingdom not to replicate Straw's plan.
The text of the letter to the Lord Chancellor and Secretary of State for Justice is set out below:
"Rt Hon Jack Straw Lord Chancellor and Secretary of State for Justice Ministry of Justice Selborne House 54 Victoria Street London SW1E 6QW United Kingdom
Dear Sir,
I was concerned to read that the government are to consider allowing staff at young offenders institutions in England and Wales to use batons to control children as young as 15.
You will be aware that these proposals fly in the face of International guidance on the treatment of young offenders whilst in custody not least, the United Nations Standard Minimum Rules for the Administration of Juvenile Justice (The Beijing Rules) and the United Nations Guidelines for the Prevention of Juvenile Delinquency (The Riyadh Guidelines).
The Celtic League urge you to resist pressures which could exacerbate a regime which appears to be already troubled with violent behaviour by introducing into it new bench-marks allowing state-sponsored violence against young people, many of whom come from troubled backgrounds.
I feel sure you will be aware that the Beijing Rules and other accords adopted by the United Nations to address issues surrounding juvenile justice and detention are securely founded on principles designed to protect young people in custody from physical assault.
No matter what the provocation any decision by the State to meet problems of disturbed behaviour in young people by physical assault is to be deplored.
As a body we will be expressing our concerns about the United Kingdom governments' decision to contemplate this move to International bodies such as the United Nations Committee on the Rights of the Child and the European Committee for the protection of Torture and Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment.
We will also urge devolved authorities in Scotland and N. Ireland not to replicate your disturbing proposals."
J B Moffatt Director of Information Celtic League
21/10/07
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