Children deprived of their liberty from the perspective of the prohibition of torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment 2015, para. 49
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Children deprived of their liberty are often not allowed to maintain regular contact with their families and friends, because either they are denied contact as a form of punishment or are placed in facilities located far away from their homes and families. A lack of vocational, educational and recreational activities for children deprived of their liberty creates situations of risk of abuse and ill-treatment. When children spend most of their time confined in their cells, they may experience a lack of motivation and even depression, which in turn can leads to incidents of abuse and violence between children or with staff members. The Special Rapporteur wishes to point out that, while lack of activities is detrimental for any prisoner, it is especially harmful for children, who have a particular need for physical activity and intellectual stimulation. This is also true for children detained with their mothers in prison. During country visits, the Special Rapporteur has observed that women's section of prisons often show inadequate space for women with children and a lack of well-equipped recreation areas for children (see A/HRC/22/53/Add.2, para. 58).
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Non-negotiated soft law
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Special Rapporteur on torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment