No abstract

The empirical study reported here analyses the practical relevance of United Nations standards and norms in the area of juvenile justice. It concentrates on South Africa and focuses on the implementation of the Rules for the Protection of Juveniles Deprived of their Liberty and Article 37 of the Convention on the Rights of the Child. A total of 804 children/juveniles and 404 correctional officers participated in the survey. In this article, the broader analysis of implementation conditions of the minimum standards is confined to some core variables. Staff and inmates of 18 facilities were questioned on issues surrounding the reason for victimization of incarcerated child inmates and interpersonal violence. Although the extended survey is not purely a victim's survey, it showed the relevance of victimization issues to the well-being of the young inmates. It is an important discussion, as there are only a limited number of prison victimization studies internationally, as prisoners are often are neglected as possible victims. In particular, child inmates are much more sensitive to the effects of detention than adult inmates and are particularly vulnerable to victimization. Where young offenders become victims of assault or sexual assault during incarceration the question arises, how successful will be their future reintegration into society? Some areas for the improvement of safety of young inmates and the prevention of victimization which may be relevant not only to South Africa but also to other countries are identified.

No abstract