Marta Santos Pais emphasizes importance of juvenile justice system based on the respect of the rights of the child in her message to the 21st Session of the UN Commission on Crime Prevention and Criminal

Vienna (Austria) 30 April 2012 - The SRSG on Violence against Children, Marta Santos Pais, participated in the 21st Session of the UN Commission on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice that took place in Vienna.

The SRSG emphasized the importance of a juvenile justice system based on the respect of the rights of the child for the prevention and elimination of incidents of violence against children.

“It is critical to consolidate a child sensitive and non-intimidating justice environment within which children’s freedom from violence can be safeguarded at all times, including in cases of deprivation of liberty”, added Marta Santos Pais.

Recognizing the significant UN standards and norms developed on justice for children, the SRSG recommended that the protection of children from violence be given centre-stage in the agenda of the Commission and the 2015 Congress on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice.

In his closing remarks, Yury Fedotov, UNODC Executive Director, welcomed the important inter-agency approach promoted by the work of the Commission.

“I welcome the many signs that the inter-agency approach is rooted in the work and side events of the Commission. The presence of UN principals such as the Special Rapporteur on the Human Rights of Migrants, François Crépeau, and the SRSG on Violence against Children, Marta Santos Pais, has underlined this.”

During her participation in the 21st Session, Ms. Santos Pais met with the Chairperson of the Commission, H.R.H. Princess Bajrakitiyabha Mahidol of Thailand.