Implementing alternatives to detention, ‘community sanctions’, for children in Afghanistan

This report is part of the Child Rights Consortium III, a programme developed to gain a better understanding of the use of alternatives to detention methods in Afghanistan and of the attitudes of the community and juvenile justice stakeholders towards them. The use of alternatives to detention methods appears limited and this is mainly due to a lack of knowledge of the Juvenile Code, a lack of confidence, a lack of guidance, and a lack of understanding of the resources available. Moreover, it appears to be more effective and utilized in some provinces than others. Nevertheless, this report highlights that there is an increasing awareness around the importance of alternatives to detention methods for children who had committed the offences of theft, fighting, running away and possession of drugs. This is due to the consideration that detention for children should be avoided and that children could best be rehabilitated in their community. Finally, according to data gathered, this report suggests several measures through which increase the use of alternatives to detention for children in Afghanistan.