Human Rights of children of incarcerated parents

Abstract

The subject of parental incarceration is as complex as it is sensitive. Losing a parent to incarceration significantly affects the various developmental aspects of their children which often lasts a lifetime and even shows intergenerational mobility. The major concern pertaining to parental incarceration remains the indiscriminate abuse and violation of the basic human rights of the incarcerated parent and their children, making them a vulnerable category. In this context, a number of legislations have been introduced over time at the international and national levels to protect the interest of this vulnerable section and prioritize their best interest in further policy formulation. In this paper, the subject of parental incarceration has been explored from a human rights perspective. The relevant challenges and issues that were derived from the existing studies have been discussed in detail. It is concluded in this paper that the effectiveness of the implementation of these legislative provisions is reflected in the developmental outcomes of the children of incarcerated parents and requires further exploration for developing a more comprehensive understanding.