Safeguarding the rights of girls in the criminal justice system

Gender-based violence is a pervasive and devastating manifestation of discrimination against women and girls. International human rights standards, including the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC), the Convention on the Elimination of all Forms of Discrimination against Women, and the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment, provide a solid framework for preventing and responding to violence against girls in both public and private spheres. Unfortunately, non-compliance with international human rights obligations to protect girls from all forms of violence remains a serious challenge.