Protecting children from armed violence in the community

Responses to young people associated with violent acts often emphasize punitive, repressive and militarized approaches. Aggressive and repressive policing puts both state forces and civilians at risk, as well as further stimulating the cycle of violence locally, increasing the “acceptable” norm for violent behaviour within society. The increasing use of militarized policing in the context of armed violence has been associated with growing unrest and death. Militarized policing and tactics such the implementation of “mandatory civil services for children” compromise the protection of children’s rights.

Related Subject(s): Children and Youth