Summary:

A fact-finding report on the fleeing of juveniles from the Government Observation Home, Special Home and Children’s Home (Combined) for Boys at Berhampur under Ganjam District of Orissa on
21-22 September 2010

http://www.crin.org/docs/ACHR_Orissa.pdf

The report summarizes the findings and recommendations of the Asian Centre for Human Rights investigation of the recent allegations of abuse against ten youth residents of the Government Observation Home, Special Home and Children’s Home (Combined) for Boys at Berhampur under Ganjam District of Orissa, India..  The testimonies/interviews suggest youth are subjected to routine acts of torture and sexual violence by both the staff and adult inmates.  Findings indicate overcrowding, poor maintenance and inadequate access to food, sanitation and hygiene.  There are 40 beds and 1 toilet for 88 juveniles, a number that at times rises to as high as 150 youth.  Children are deprived of access to medical care and education and recreational opportunities.  Youth are placed in care at the facility for a range of reasons – lack of access to parental care, conflict with the law, abandonment.   All youth, regardless of reason for entry, are cared for en masse without separation of youth in conflict with the law.  

The findings demonstrate that the State of Orissa has wholly failed in its obligations under the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2000, the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child and the United Nations Rules for the Protection of Juveniles Deprived of their Liberty.  The youth currently detained, and particularly those who tried to escape from the Observation Home remain at imminent risk of almost certain abuse and torture.

Previous Publication (general) items

• 31/08/2010: UN: A Practical Guide to the Universal Periodic Review (UPR)
• 28/08/2010: La Organización de las Naciones Unidas y los Derechos del Niño
• 27/08/2010: UGANDA: "As if We Weren’t Human” - Discrimination and Violence against Women with Disabilities in Northern Uganda
• 25/08/2010: HAITI: “Expediting” intercountry adoptions in the aftermath of a natural disaster … preventing future harm.
• 24/08/2010: UN: Commentary on the Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights

Organisation Contact Details:

Better Care Network
c/o UNICEF
3 UN Plaza, 739-2
New York, NY 10017
Tel: +1 212 326 7650
Email: contact@bettercarenetwork.org

Last updated 20/10/2010 12:20:09

Please note that these reports are hosted by CRIN as a resource for Child Rights campaigners, researchers and other interested parties. Unless otherwise stated, they are not the work of CRIN and their inclusion in our database does not necessarily signify endorsement or agreement with their content by CRIN.