Neglected needs: girls in the criminal justice system

Girls are one of the most vulnerable groups involved in criminal justice systems because of their age, gender and small numbers. Relatively little is known or understood about offending by girls, their specific needs whilst in detention, or about what is effective in terms of gender-sensitive rehabilitation and social reintegration measures.

This paper examines the specific challenges faced by girls in contact with the criminal justice system and makes recommendations for strengthening the protection of their rights.

It explores how girls face discriminatory treatment in terms of the type of offences for which they are detained, their access to fair trial guarantees, and the lack of suitable alternatives to detention. It then looks at some of the specific challenges faced by girls in detention and the international and regional standards in place to address these, focusing on:

• protection from violence
• access to adequate healthcare
• provision of rehabilitation and reintegration services
• access to effective remedy.

This paper is the last in a series of briefing papers on Justice for Children. It also forms part of the UN Bangkok Rules Toolbox for Implementation, our suite of information resources and practical tools to support the implementation of the Rules.