The US answered to allegations that it has illegally detained juveniles in a prison in Afghanistan in a recent report (DOC) given to the UN Committee on Rights of the Child. The report was released in response to several inquiries regarding US compliance with the Convention on the Rights of the Child. In response to an inquiry regarding detention of juveniles, the US claimed that holding the juveniles was not to punish them, but to prevent them from returning to fight. The report cited to Hamdi v. Rumsfeld (text) in justifying this decision. The US also emphasized that it is treating the juvenile detainees in a way that is consistent with the convention. This includes specialized medical attention, potential familial cohabitation and individualized educational, recreational and social activities.

From Jurist, Dec. 10. Used with permission.