CHILDHOOD BEHIND BARS: A SOCIO-LEGAL ANALYSIS OF THE RIGHTS AND WELFARE OF CHILDREN ACCOMPANYING INCARCERATED MOTHERS

Authors

  • Zakir Hussain Lecturer, Department of Social Work, University of Malakand, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan.
  • Jahan‐Ul‐Mulk Lecturer, Sociology, Riphah International, College Swat, Campus, Khyber, Pakhunkhwa, Pakistan.
  • Farman Ali Assistant Professor, Department of Social Work, University of Malakand, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan.
  • Riaz Ahmad Assistant Professor, Department of Sociology, Shaheed Benazir Bhutto University Sheringal, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan.
  • Umar Daraz* Lecturer, Department of Sociology, University of Malakand, Khyber Pakhunkhwa, Pakistan.

Abstract

This study explores the rights and well-being of children whose mothers are incarcerated in jails across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), assessing the implementation of the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) in this context. The study combines secondary data analysis of legal frameworks, court decisions, and prison regulations with primary data collected through in-depth interviews with 20 incarcerated mothers (out of a total of 35) and jail superintendents from nine female housing prisons in KP. The findings reveal significant gaps between the CRC's principles and their practical application, particularly the absence of clear policies addressing the needs of these children. Aligning prison practices with the CRC requires legislative reforms, capacity-building initiatives, and the establishment of structured support systems for children living in prisons. These measures are essential to safeguard the rights and foster the overall development of this vulnerable population.

Key words:  Childhood, Socio-Legal, Rights, Welfare, Children Accompanying, Mothers.

 

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Published

2025-01-10

How to Cite

Zakir Hussain, Jahan‐Ul‐Mulk, Farman Ali, Riaz Ahmad, & Umar Daraz*. (2025). CHILDHOOD BEHIND BARS: A SOCIO-LEGAL ANALYSIS OF THE RIGHTS AND WELFARE OF CHILDREN ACCOMPANYING INCARCERATED MOTHERS. Advance Social Science Archive Journal, 3(01), 179–192. Retrieved from https://assajournal.com/index.php/36/article/view/136

Issue

Vol. 3 No. 01 (2025): Advance Social Science Archives Journal

Section

Articles