Torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment

The Committee recalls its general comment No. 13 (2011) on the right of the child to freedom from all forms of violence and is concerned about the recent legislation enacted by the Storting to expand the mandate of teachers and caretakers to apply force in schools and institutions and recommends that the State Party respond to the rising number of violent and aggressive behaviours amongst children in schools and institutions by prioritizing preventive measures, including by designing response plans in partnership with children and by training staff.

The Committee recommends that the State Party ensure that guidelines and practice only allow the use of physical force against children as a last resort measure in mental health care, schools, child welfare institutions, and police custody.

The Committee recommends that the State Party strengthen measures to ensure that children in police custody, in welfare and in mental health institutions are not subjected to ill-treatment, including disproportionate use of force, isolation, restraint and coercion.

The Committee recommends that the State Party ensure that coercion measures such as surveillance, isolation and confinement in educational, child welfare and the health sectors are always documented and subjected to review.

The Committee recommends that the State Party ensure that the use of stop-and-search checks against children must be justified, necessary, and conducted in a child-sensitive manner.