The data supports much of the anecdotal evidence from our clients about the disproportionate policing of First Nations children and young people. [...] The Canadian Supreme Court noted that “women and minorities in particular may have a real fear of strip search and may experience such a search as equivalent to sexual abuse.”5 The practice of strip-searching children is inconsistent with Australia’s obligations under the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC), which requires children to be treated with dignity and respect. [...] According to the report, the consistent overrepresentation of First Nations young people as STMP targets indicated the ongoing discriminatory effect of the policy. [...] The disproportionate use of force against First Nations Children may also be a breach of the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination. [...] Conclusion RLC submits that the over-policing of First Nations children and young people, which inevitably leads to over-incarceration, not only fails to meet Australia’s international obligations under the UNCRC and International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination but also the aspirations outlined in the Closing the Gap Report.
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- Published in
- Australia
