CRC/C/HND/CO/3
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(c) Improve the conditions of detention of children when detention is used as a last
resort, notably by complying with the international standards as to surface area,
ventilation, fresh air, natural and artificial light, proper food, drinking water and hygienic
conditions;
(d) Establish an independent child-sensitive and accessible system for the reception
and processing of complaints by children and investigate, prosecute and punish any case of
mistreatment or abuse committed;
(e) Ensure that children deprived of their liberty remain in regular contact with
their families while in the juvenile justice system, notably by informing parents when the
child is detained;
(f)
Provide training for penitentiary staff on children’s rights and special needs;
(g) Request technical assistance in the area of juvenile justice and police training
from, inter alia, the United Nations Interagency Panel on Juvenile Justice, which includes
the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, UNICEF, OHCHR and NGOs.
82. The Committee reiterates its previous recommendation that the State party bring the
system of juvenile justice fully in line with the Convention, in particular with articles 37, 40
and 39, and with other United Nations standards in the field of juvenile justice, such as: the
United Nations Standard Minimum Rules for the Administration of Juvenile Justice (the
“Beijing Rules”); the United Nations Guidelines for the Prevention of Juvenile Delinquency
(the “Riyadh Guidelines”); the United Nations Rules for the Protection of Juveniles
Deprived of their Liberty (the “Havana Rules”); and the Committee’s general comment
No. 10 on Children’s Rights in Juvenile Justice (CRC/C/GC/10).
Children belonging to indigenous groups
83. The Committee notes with concern that indigenous communities continue to face serious
difficulties in the enjoyment of the rights enshrined in article 30. In particular, the Committee is
concerned that the enjoyment of the rights by children belonging to indigenous groups is
negatively affected by the following:
(a) High level of poverty, inadequate access to basic services, health and education and
high rates of illiteracy;
(b) Systematic threats and abuses against indigenous communities and impunity of the
perpetrators;
(c)
Land usurpation from municipal corporations and destruction of natural resources.
84. The Committee recommends that the State party pursue measures to address
effectively the gap in life opportunities of indigenous children, and take adequate measures
in order to provide protection for the rights of indigenous children taking into due account
the recommendations adopted by the Committee on its Day of General Discussion on the
rights of indigenous children in September 2003.