(Children’s Rights in Detention Centres Pursuant to International Instruments and the Malaysian Legal Framework)

Abstract

Children’s rights in detention centres should be ascertained without any discrimination. A detention centre not only serves as a place of execution but it should serve as a medium of rehabilitation for children in conflict with the law. Although these children have been deprived of their liberty, they should not be denied to exercise their basic human rights sanctions in international human rights instruments. Thus, this article aims to analyse all rights of children in detention centres according to international instruments and the Malaysian legal framework. This study used a qualitative approach employing document analysis on international instruments related to the rights of children in detention centres and their application in Malaysia. This study found that there are lacunas in Malaysian law with regard to children’s rights in detention centres that may cause oversight of such rights. This finding is significant for policymakers in reforming the law to guarantee children’s rights in detention centres.