NCJ Number
225975
Date Published
January 2008
Length
13 pages
Annotation
This report provides a general overview of the activities carried out by Member States and the implementation of Economic and Social Council resolution 2005/20, the adoption of guidelines involving child victims and witnesses of crime, a summary of measures taken by Member States in relation to the rights established in the guidelines, and an overview of the activities undertaken by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime in the application of the guidelines.
Abstract
In its resolution 2005/20, the Economic and Social Council adopted the Guidelines on Justice in Matters Involving Child Victims and Witnesses of Crime. The guidelines are intended to provide a useful framework that could assist Member States in enhancing the protection of child victims and witnesses in the criminal justice system and in developing legislation, procedures, policies, and practices relating to children who are victims of crime or witnesses in criminal proceedings. The purpose of this report is to provide information on the implementation of Economic and Social Control resolution 2005/20 and the guidelines annexed to that resolution. The report provides a summary of measures taken by Member States in relation to the rights established in the guidelines: the right to be treated with dignity and compassion; the right to be protected from discrimination; the right to be informed; the right to be heard and to express views and concerns; the right to effective assistance; the right to privacy; the right to be protected from hardship during the justice process; the right to safety; the right to reparation; and the right to special preventive measures. In addition, the report contains an overview of the activities undertaken by the United National Office on Drugs and Crime to assist countries in the use and application of the guidelines.