TERRITORY YOUTH: CLANT WELCOMES A ROYAL COMMISSION
The Criminal Lawyers Association of the Northern Territory welcomes a meaningful Royal Commission with Terms of Reference broad enough to ensure a thorough enquiry into the treatment of young people who are detained, at risk of detention or fall within the care of the Minister.
Tales of atrocities and abuse directed at young people in detention within the NT have long been the source of frustration for CLANT members.
The inaction and ambivalence by the Northern Territory Government to remedy systemic flaws has been an ongoing concern.
The demonization of young offenders by politicians and sections of the media has served to lend legitimacy to increasingly punitive responses by custodians for the most disadvantaged and vulnerable juveniles. Such actions have only now been condemned after brave and tenacious individuals spoke out on the 4 Corners program garnering widespread attention.
The evidence is now clear and unambiguous, an overhaul of the Youth Justice System is essential.
Fragile young lives remain in jeopardy as legal and indigenous organisations struggle with limited resources and funding.
CLANT calls for:
- The establishment of an effective, continuous, independent and strong oversight body backed by the Northern Territory, Commonwealth and international law;
- A purpose built Youth Detention Centre staffed by well trained officers;
- Increased funding from both Commonwealth and Territory Governments for frontline legal services within the NT; and
- Increased accommodation options for young people who are eligible for bail or at risk of homelessness.
The rehabilitation of children must be the first priority for any future government. We must break the cycle, reduce imprisonment and recidivism.
The time has come to effect long term change.
Australia must urgently ratify the Optional Protocol to the Convention Against Torture (OPCAT).
Ratification and incorporation of the OPCAT provisions into domestic law will provide additional safeguards against human rights abuses in detention centres and ensure international legal norms and standards are met.
Further information about CLANT’s position on this issue can be found here:
https://clant.org.au/images/images/OPCAT_submission_300516.pdf
Contact: Nicola MacCarron, (08) 8999 3000