The word ‘rehabilitation’ is included in the sentencing laws of every Australian jurisdiction, promising systems that support children to return safely to their communities, yet many children in detention are still locked alone for long periods without education or support.

This National Children’s Week, we are reminded to protect children’s rights we first need to understand where and how they are being violated.

Rehabilitation focused alternatives in Australia’s youth detention system are far more effective than solitary confinement in reducing reoffending and supporting young people to thrive.

Solitary confinement in youth detention is often sold as a ‘tough-on-crime’ solution, but the evidence tells a very different story.

Solitary confinement continues in Australian youth detention centres because of the powerful myths that mask its true impact.

On August 20, 2024, the ‘Help Way Earlier’ Report, released by the National Children’s Commissioner Anne Hollonds, was tabled by Federal Parliament.

1989 marked a historic shift in the world’s commitment to children’s rights, when the international community decided to adopt the UNCRC.

A coalition of over 150 NGOs submitted a joint report to the United Nations Human Rights Council detailing Australia’s human rights failures.