Submitted by crinadmin on
Summary: In most countries, most women in prison are
mothers, and they are often the sole or
primary carer for young children. When a
mother is imprisoned, her baby and/or
young child or children may go into prison with
her for all or part of her sentence.Children in prison with their mother are extremely vulnerable to violence in
many different forms. Whilst there are strong arguments for not separating
a young child from its mother, particular care must be given to ensure that
the facilities available in prison are safe, and adequate for a child’s
physical, mental and emotional development.
Whilst there is a wealth of international law and guidelines concerning
imprisonment, there are almost no specific standards regarding the
treatment of children in prison with their mothers. With few exceptions,
States and the United Nations human rights mechanisms have given little
consideration to the rights and needs of children in prison with their
mothers.
pdf: www.crin.org/docs/resources/publications/violence/submission_children_pr...