YOUNG PEOPLE GET A ROUGH DEAL FROM JUSTICE SYSTEMS

We hear a lot these days about the problems young people are causing. Newspapers write about high levels of youth crime, anti-social behaviour and gang violence. Politicians demand tougher laws and harsher punishments. It’s not surprising that the public thinks young people are getting out of control and need to be dealt with.

The reality is very different. We think young people around the world are actually getting a rough deal from justice systems. Governments are breaking international rules that say young offenders should be rehabilitated, not only punished. All around the world too many young people are being locked up, for too long, and in unacceptable conditions. And young people are at risk from violence, abuse, and even murder.

That’s why it’s so important to highlight the issues around young people and justice, and why Youth Justice in Action is calling on governments to make justice systems fairer for young people.

We believe this wouldn’t just give young people a fairer deal – it would help to reduce crime and benefit us all.

Justice systems are failing young people and society. Help us do something about it – take action now .