A/HRC/27/65
Committee stressed the need for positive measures to eliminate conditions that lead to
discrimination, such as access to culturally appropriate juvenile justice services.32
51.
Article 40 (3) of the Convention on the Rights of the Child requires States to
undertake measures to deal with children alleged as, accused of or recognized as having
infringed penal law without resorting to judicial proceedings, whenever appropriate.
Furthermore, the Committee has repeatedly pointed out that “the arrest, detention or
imprisonment of a child may be used only as a measure of last resort”.33 In the case of
indigenous children, traditional restorative justice systems consistent with international law
could be used to address cases involving children and youth. The Committee also
recommends the development of community-based programmes and services that consider
the needs and cultures of indigenous children, their families and communities.34 In
Australia, for example, the Indigenous Justice Program funds programmes that focus on
case management and diversionary activities for children and youth.35
52.
States should design and implement programmes to train law enforcement and
judicial personnel, as well as other relevant civil servants, on indigenous children’s rights,
special protection measures for indigenous children and youth, and culturally sensitive
approaches.36 It is also crucial that the law enforcement and judicial workforce is trauma
informed, and able to deal sensitively with issues including violence and sexual abuse.37
53.
Another principle that must be respected at all times is that of respect for the views
of the child. Article 12 of the Convention on the Rights of the Child upholds the right of
children to be heard in judicial and administrative proceedings that affect them. In the case
of indigenous children, measures to fulfil the right to be heard in judicial or criminal
proceedings include providing an interpreter free of charge and guaranteeing legal
assistance in a culturally sensitive manner.38 In Guatemala, the judiciary established the
Centre for Indigenous Translation and Interpretation with the purpose of facilitating access
to justice for indigenous peoples, and, in particular, indigenous women and children. The
centre has legal translators and interpreters, with national coverage and expertise in the 22
Mayan languages spoken in the country.39
54.
As highlighted above, it is crucial to adopt a holistic approach when addressing
access to justice for indigenous children. One area that deserves particular attention is
education. Quality education can play an enabling role for the exercise of human rights,
benefitting both individual children and their communities. More specifically, human rights
education for indigenous children and youth should be pursued as a means to empower
them as individuals and to achieve the self-determination of their communities.
D.
Indigenous persons with disabilities
1.
Barriers
55.
Indigenous persons with disabilities face numerous and compounded barriers in
accessing justice. These barriers exist within society (particularly related to violence,
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
Ibid., para. 25.
Ibid., para. 74.
Ibid., para. 75.
Submission: Australia.
Committee on the Rights of the Child, General Comment No. 11, paras. 33 and 77.
Expert Seminar: Hannah McGlade.
Committee on the Rights of the Child, General Comment No. 11, para. 76.
Submission: Guatemala.
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