IRAQ: Aid agencies focus on children detainees

[NNN0LHI]

http://www.alertnet.org/thenews/newsdesk/IRIN/fd259939f33ffedcc5621cacf77e452e.htm

BAGHDAD, 18 April (IRIN) - The Iraqi juvenile justice system has suffered from neglect and disruption caused by 25 years of crises, according to officials at the UN's Children's Agency, UNICEF.

In an effort to improve the situation, UNICEF has joined local NGOs to work with vulnerable and marginalised groups in Iraq, with particular emphasis on the children currently in detention for criminal offences.

"While it's critical to address how children in detention are being treated, it's also crucially important to focus on reducing the vulnerabilities and circumstances that push children…into lifestyles which often result in law-breaking and criminality," said Roger Wright, UNICEF's Special Representative for Iraq. Wright was speaking at a three-day conference held in Amman, Jordan, to discuss the matter with senior Iraqi government officials.

Last week, UNICEF held a training session in Amman for Iraqis involved in the issue, including ministry officials. Follow-up training workshops will also be provided to Iraqi social workers and other personnel involved in Iraq's juvenile justice system.