The Government’s Policy and Practical Response to Contain the Spread of COVID-19 and Its Impact on Juveniles’ Rights in Detention Centres in Sindh-Pakistan

Abstract

Based on the professionals’ narrative, this article examines the impact of policy and practical measures taken by the Government of Sindh (Pakistan) in response to the COVID-19 pandemic on the rights of juveniles in five detention centres in Sindh. Theoretically, the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) did not give due consideration to juveniles’ rights. In practice, prison authorities largely overlooked children’s fundamental rights, such as their right to protection from abuse in the isolated barracks used for quarantine purposes. Children’s rights to play and health, as given in articles 31 and 24 of the UNCRC, were also compromised.

Keywords

child rights COVID-19 detention centres juveniles psychological rights Sindh-Pakistan

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