Children and women in Afghanistan are often arrested for crimes which would not be recognised under international standards. This project will improve the well-being of imprisoned children and women, and bring systematic change to the justice system. Over 5,000 of these vulnerable people will be supported with activities on diversion, rehabilitation and reintegration.
Children and women in Afghanistan are often arrested for crimes which would not be recognised under international standards. They are wrenched from their families and school and face harassment and neglectful treatment in police stations. If incarcerated, often without trial, children are sent to closed detention centres where they receive little education. When they leave prison, they are likely to be shunned from their communities, leading to social exclusion.
By forming a day release open centre for children in Afghanistan, children will be offered an education, vocational training and social work services to support them post trial. Also, counselling and psychosocial support will be offered for children and women who are either waiting for their trial or post trial, with social workers specifically trained. Police and prison workers will be educated on child legal and human rights, and community services will offer alternative futures to detention.
Education and training opportunities for children and women will significantly improve health, livelihood opportunities and economic independence of beneficiaries, uniting communities and building peace. Education with prison staff on human rights will ensure less vulnerable people are imprisoned in future and aid better treatment of children and women that are still incarcerated.
