Recognizing Invisible Structural Violence on Juveniles: A Case of Pakistan

Abstract

This article draws on cases of abuse, torture and violence against children in the criminal justice system of Pakistan. These children are denied their fundamental right to justice by the invisible structure of violence. The article explores the links between the poverty, injustice and human rights violations by presenting extended case studies of two children under the age of 18 in Karachi and drawing upon a number of other cases of abuse reported in the media and NGO reports. It argues for a deeper understanding of the role of structural violence - ranging from colonial legacies and inadequate protections to institutionalised practices of torture and abuse – in perpetuating human rights violations of children in the criminal justice system of Pakistan.

DOI: 10.5901/mjss.2015.v6n4s3p141