Australian Human Rights Commission Submission to the UN Human Rights Committee, 18 September 2017 Self-harm (ICCPR articles 7, 9 & 24; LOI 20) 105. In 2014, the National Children’s Commissioner conducted an investigation into intentional self-harm by children, reporting that intentional self-harm is the leading cause of death among children and young people aged 15 to 24 years in Australia.122 The Commission notes the findings and recommendations made by the National Children’s Commissioner in Chapter 3 of the Children’s Rights Report 2014.123 Recommendation 42: That the Australian Government implement the National Children’s Commissioner’s recommendations in the Children’s Rights Report 2014 (Chapter 3). Juvenile justice (ICCPR articles 7, 9 & 24; LOI 20) (a) Detention 106. The Commission is concerned by the treatment of children in, and the conditions of, juvenile justice detention across Australia, including the disproportionate use of force, isolation and restraints against children in juvenile detention facilities, and the lack of monitoring, reporting and accountability in relation to these practices. 107. The Commission continues to express concern about the number of children being detained on remand in juvenile justice centres. The Commission is also concerned that child offenders are sometimes held in the same correctional centres as adults.124 108. In 2016, the National Children’s Commissioner examined the oversight of youth justice in Australia, and the readiness of youth justice processes for the implementation of OPCAT. The Commission draws the Committee’s attention to the findings and recommendations made by the National Children’s Commissioner in Chapter 3 of the Children’s Rights Report 2016.125 109. Noting that the Northern Territory has the highest rate of children and young people in detention in Australia,126 the Commission welcomes the establishment of the Royal Commission into the Protection and Detention of Children in the Northern Territory.127 The Commission notes that the Royal Commission will deliver its final report on 17 November 2017. 110. The Commission notes that several jurisdictions have commenced reviews into their juvenile justice systems, and some jurisdictions have progressed the use of non-custodial measures and strengthened diversionary programs.128 Recommendation 43: That the Australian Government implement the National Children’s Commissioner’s recommendations in the Children’s Rights Report 2016 (Chapter 3). Recommendation 44: That all Australian Governments develop alternative behaviour management techniques to reduce the use of 24