–9–
i.
complaints and inspection procedures
131. Effective complaints and inspection procedures are basic safeguards against ill-treatment in
all places of detention, including detention centres for juveniles.
Juveniles (as well as their parents or legal representatives) should have avenues of complaint
open to them within the establishments’ administrative system and should be entitled to address
complaints – on a confidential basis – to an independent authority. Complaints procedures should
be simple, effective and child-friendly, particularly regarding the language used. Juveniles (as well
as their parents or legal representatives) should be entitled to seek legal advice about complaints
and to benefit from free legal assistance when the interests of justice so require.
132. The CPT also attaches particular importance to regular visits to all detention centres for
juveniles by an independent body, such as a visiting committee, a judge, the children’s Ombudsman
or the National Preventive Mechanism (established under the Optional Protocol to the United
Nations Convention against Torture – OPCAT) with authority to receive – and, if necessary, take
action on – juveniles’ complaints or complaints brought by their parents or legal representatives, to
inspect the accommodation and facilities and to assess whether these establishments are operating
in accordance with the requirements of national law and relevant international standards. Members
of the inspection body should be proactive and enter into direct contact with juveniles, including by
interviewing inmates in private.