Analysis of the Right to Non-Discrimination against Children in Criminal Procedures: From Detention to Trial

Discrimination against children in criminal procedures, from detention to trial, hinders the realization of fair justice. This study aims to identify instances of discrimination against children in Iran's criminal justice system and evaluate its compliance with international standards, particularly the Convention on the Rights of the Child (Article ۲), to analyze legal and executive gaps. This qualitative study, with a descriptive-analytical approach, examines Iran's domestic laws, international documents such as the Convention on the Rights of the Child, and judicial practices. Data was collected and analyzed through content analysis of laws and reports from international organizations. The results indicate systematic and non-systematic discrimination against children in the detention, preliminary investigations, and trial stages in Iran. In detention, non-standard conditions and discrimination based on gender, ethnicity, and economic status were observed. During preliminary investigations, lack of access to a lawyer and insufficient notification to parents violate children's rights. In trials, the absence of specialized courts and the influence of judicial biases (such as differences in verdicts based on religion or gender) exacerbated discrimination. These discriminations lead to psychological and social harm and increase the cycle of crime among children. The prohibition of discrimination against children in criminal procedures requires reform of laws, continuous training of judges and law enforcement officers, and the establishment of independent monitoring mechanisms. Strengthening compliance with the Convention on the Rights of the Child and developing specialized children's courts can ensure a fairer criminal justice system.

کلیدواژه ها:

Discrimination ، Children ، Criminal procedures ، Detention ، Trial ، Convention on the Rights of the Child ، Legal gaps ، Judicial practices ، Specialized courts ، Fair justice