Ireland/Eire - Youth detention centre handcuff concern

The Celtic League has written to the Irish Justice Minister expressing
concern that United Nations juvenile rights principles were breached
following reports that a child was handcuffed at a juvenile detention
facility.

The League has called for safeguards to be put in place so that Ireland
does not breach the UN Convention of the Rights of the Child or the
UN Riyadh Guidelines.

The League has periodically raised concerns about juvenile justice
issues with governments in Ireland, Wales(UK) and the Isle of Man.


"Dear Minister,

I write to express our concern at reports that following a recent
incident at a detention centre for young offenders handcuffs were
used to restrain one young person.

I am sure you will be aware that the use of handcuffs/shackles in
this way is a clear breach of both Article 37 of the United Nations
Convention on the Rights of the Child and also the United Nations
Guidelines for the Prevention of Juvenile Delinquency (The Riyadh
Guidelines).

I understand that although detention centres in Ireland are funded
by the Department of Education and Science they fall under the authority
of a section of the Department of Justice.

I trust therefore you will enquire into the circumstances of this
incident and issue clear instructions that handcuffs are not to be
used in any future incidents.

Yours faithfully,

J B Moffatt"

Related articles on Celtic News at:

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/celtic_league/message/2548
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/celtic_league/message/2446
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/celtic_league/message/2391
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/celtic_league/message/2359
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/celtic_league/message/1064
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/celtic_league/message/1021


J B Moffatt
Director of Information
Celtic League

26/05/08


The Celtic League has branches in the six Celtic Countries. It works
to promote cooperation between these countries and campaigns on a
broad range of political, cultural and environmental matters. It highlights
human rights abuse, monitors all military activity and focuses on
socio-economic issues.

TEL (UK)01624 877918 MOBILE (UK)07624 491609

Internet site at:

http://celticleague.net
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/celtic_league/