ABSTRACT
This chapter provides recommendations which are more relevant where local authorities have a greater range of powers. But authorities at the local level must do whatever they can to ensure that children's rights are respected in the areas where they do have influence. They must reform conditions and procedures that come within their own jurisdictions, and support any efforts by non-governmental organizations establishing children's rights in the area of juvenile justice. Local authorities seldom have control over the full range of procedures related to juvenile justice. In many countries, police forces, detention facilities, prison and court systems are functions of central government. UNICEF points out that most countries have records of immunization and school enrolment, but may have little idea of the numbers of children involved with the criminal justice system. In most countries there is a high level of concern about juvenile crime, but little awareness of the ways that young peoples' rights are violated through the justice system.
