CRC/C/GC/10
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14. The Committee acknowledges that the preservation of public safety is a legitimate aim of
the justice system. However, it is of the opinion that this aim is best served by a full respect for
and implementation of the leading and overarching principles of juvenile justice as enshrined
in CRC.
IV. JUVENILE JUSTICE: THE CORE ELEMENTS
OF A COMPREHENSIVE POLICY
15. A comprehensive policy for juvenile justice must deal with the following core elements:
the prevention of juvenile delinquency; interventions without resorting to judicial proceedings
and interventions in the context of judicial proceedings; the minimum age of criminal
responsibility and the upper age-limits for juvenile justice; the guarantees for a fair trial; and
deprivation of liberty including pretrial detention and post-trial incarceration.
A. Prevention of juvenile delinquency
16. One of the most important goals of the implementation of CRC is to promote the full and
harmonious development of the child’s personality, talents and mental and physical abilities
(preamble, and articles 6 and 29). The child should be prepared to live an individual and
responsible life in a free society (preamble, and article 29), in which he/she can assume a
constructive role with respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms (arts. 29 and 40). In
this regard, parents have the responsibility to provide the child, in a manner consistent with his
evolving capacities, with appropriate direction and guidance in the exercise of her/his rights as
recognized in the Convention. In the light of these and other provisions of CRC, it is obviously
not in the best interests of the child if he/she grows up in circumstances that may cause an
increased or serious risk of becoming involved in criminal activities. Various measures should be
taken for the full and equal implementation of the rights to an adequate standard of living
(art. 27), to the highest attainable standard of health and access to health care (art. 24), to
education (arts. 28 and 29), to protection from all forms of physical or mental violence, injury or
abuse (art. 19), and from economic or sexual exploitation (arts. 32 and 34), and to other
appropriate services for the care or protection of children.
17. As stated above, a juvenile justice policy without a set of measures aimed at preventing
juvenile delinquency suffers from serious shortcomings. States parties should fully integrate into
their comprehensive national policy for juvenile justice the United Nations Guidelines for the
Prevention of Juvenile Delinquency (the Riyadh Guidelines) adopted by the General Assembly
in its resolution 45/112 of 14 December 1990.
18. The Committee fully supports the Riyadh Guidelines and agrees that emphasis should be
placed on prevention policies that facilitate the successful socialization and integration of all
children, in particular through the family, the community, peer groups, schools, vocational
training and the world of work, as well as through voluntary organizations. This means, inter alia
that prevention programmes should focus on support for particularly vulnerable families, the
involvement of schools in teaching basic values (including information about the rights and
responsibilities of children and parents under the law), and extending special care and attention
to young persons at risk. In this regard, particular attention should also be given to children who
drop out of school or otherwise do not complete their education. The use of peer group support
and a strong involvement of parents are recommended. The States parties should also develop