Children and juveniles are frequently targeted by terrorist groups, instrumentalized and subjected to extreme violence. Ensuring the prevention of this phenomenon, and the appropriate treatment of those affected, is key to protecting society from the threats associated with terrorism and breaking the cycle of violence that children are exposed to.
In an effort to support Iraq in its efforts to protect children and juveniles from terrorism, UNODC delivered an interactive capacity-building workshop from 14 to 16 February 2023 in Baghdad on the ‘Treatment and conditions of juveniles deprived of liberty in the context of their alleged association with terrorist and violent extremist groups’’. The workshop, which was delivered under the EU funded STRIVE Juvenile Project in partnership with the Ministry of Justice, had the objective of strengthening capacities of professionals who work directly with juveniles deprived of their liberty in rehabilitation schools.
Mr. Kamil Ameen, General Director of the Juvenile Reform Department, delivered an opening speech in which he commended UNODC for its significant contribution to the preparation of rehabilitation schools' staff and the restoration of infrastructure to support the rehabilitation and reintegration of juveniles into society. He stated: “The assessment carried out by UNODC for rehabilitation schools of our department has become a guide for us to diagnose and improve existing deficiencies. We count on UNODC to continue supporting us to achieve our goal”.
In opening the workshop, Ms. María Martí Antonio from the European Union Delegation in Iraq noted that “these children and juveniles, who have been recruited and exploited are, in accordance with international law, to be treated and considered primarily as victims. This means that, even when they may have become involved in crime and violence, our first responsibility is to promote their rehabilitation and reintegration”.
Using international standards and norms as benchmarks, as well as examples of good practice, the training workshop focused on conditions and treatment of juveniles as well as measures to promote the effective rehabilitation and reintegration of juveniles deprived of liberty for alleged association with ISIL.
STRIVE Juvenile is a five-year project funded by the European Union and implemented by UNODC. It prevents and responds to violence against children by terrorist groups through alignment with national priorities and support for Government efforts. “STRIVE Juvenile project in Iraq focuses in particular on improving conditions of detention and treatment of juveniles deprived of their liberty, including their rehabilitation and reintegration into society. This project is in line with the priorities of Iraq and its relentless efforts to address the recruitment and exploitation of children by terrorist groups. It also responds to the various dimensions of this phenomenon, in the best interest of the child” stated Mr. Ali Elbereir, Head of UNODC Office Iraq.
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Newsroom
During the Special Event, the new project STRIVE Juvenile has been presented. STRIVE Juvenile: Preventing and Responding to Violence against Children by Terrorist and Violent Extremist Groups is a three-year (2021-2024), EUR 5.5 million initiative by the European Union and UNODC. The project aims to partner with the selected countries, the Republic of Indonesia, the Republic of Iraq and the Federal Republic of Nigeria, for the development and implementation of comprehensive national responses to prevent and counter violent extremism affecting children, in full respect of human rights, gender equality and international law... Read more
