Defence for Children International

UN Rules for Protection of Juveniles

FUNDAMENTAL PRINCIPLES

The Rules are based upon the following fundamental principles:

Deprivation of liberty should be a disposition of last resort and for the minimum period and should be limited to exceptional cases.

Juveniles should only be deprived of their liberty in accordance with the principles and the procedures of international law.

The establishment of small open facilities is encouraged to enable individualised treatment and to avoid the additional negative effects of deprivations of liberty.

Deprivation of liberty should only be in facilities which guarantee meaningful activities and programmes promoting the health, self-respect, and sense of responsibility of juveniles. The facilities should also foster their skills to assist them in developing their potential as members of society.

The detention facilities should be decentralised to enable access and contact with family members and to allow for integration into the community.

The care of juveniles deprived of their liberty is a social service of great importance.

All juveniles deprived of their liberty should be helped to understand their rights and obligations during detention and be informed of the goals of the care provided.

Juvenile justice personnel should receive appropriate training including child welfare and human rights.

All juveniles should benefit from arrangements designed to assist them in returning to society.

The Status of the Rules