Risks, Rights and Justice
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Experiencing Risks, Rights and Justice? Young People in a Transitional Society
IRAS ID
168054
Contact name
Nicola Carr
Contact email
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 0 months, 1 days
Research summary
Northern Ireland’s transition from conflict has been heralded as a model of international success. However, 20 years after the ceasefires of the main paramilitary organisations ‘paramilitary-style policing’ remains a reality within many communities. Available information suggests that young people are disproportionately the targets of paramilitary punishments. Detailed understanding of these issues and experiences from young peoples’ perspectives is, however, lacking. This study will examine ‘paramilitary style’ threats and attacks through the lens of child protection and children’s rights. It will look specifically at young people’s experiences, the processes through which they become subject to paramilitary ‘justice’ and their negotiation of risk. The study will critically examine the State’s responsibility to uphold its human rights obligations and make links with wider theoretical debates on young people, criminalisation and social exclusion.
This study specifically explores young people's (aged 16-25) experiences of ‘paramilitary style’ threats and attacks from a child protection and children’s rights perspective. It will examine young people's experiences of paramilitary threats and attacks and the processes through which young people become subject to paramilitary ‘justice'. Using a qualitative approach involving one-to-one interviews with young people the study will seek the views of young people regarding their experiences of justice, commmunuity and rights. It will examine the ‘informal’ regulation, control and victimisation of young people and the impacts on their lives. It will also focus on the protections and supports available to young people in these situations.REC name
HSC REC B
REC reference
15/NI/0005
Date of REC Opinion
2 Mar 2015
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion