CRIN’s latest report shows how all stages of the UK’s counter-terrorism system threaten children’s rights in chilling ways. From pre-criminal, to pre-trial, to trial and sentencing, we need reforms and approaches that genuinely protect children.
CRIN has long held concerns over the growth of counter-terrorism strategies and its impact on children’s rights in the UK. Having previously examined the effects of the Prevent strategy on children, this report follows the journey a child might make through the criminal justice system. What happens if a child is accused of counter-terrorism? What determines if a child is brought to a Youth or a Criminal court? How can children be drawn into counter-terrorist policing without committing a criminal act?
Our report begins in the pre-criminal space by considering the impact of stop and search practices under counter-terrorism, the Prevent programme and the challenges of counter-terrorist law in digital spaces. It continues into pre-trial by assessing counter-terrorism investigations, looks at a child’s detention before their formal charge and then at their detention before trial. Next, we investigate the all too often archaic and intimidating trial process of the court itself, before concluding with a review of punitive sentencing powers.
Read the full report here.
