A/HRC/21/31 28. Ms. Winter referred to the principles of the entrance door (avoiding detention as much as possible) and of the exit door (using probational parole as soon as possible and to the greatest extent possible). In most countries, recidivism of children in detention was as high as 80 per cent. Where diversion mechanisms were used there was a maximum rate of recidivism of 20 per cent. The costs of diversion were much lower than the cost of maintaining prisons, which, taking into account the costs associated with employees, food and education, would amount to the cost of a fourstar hotel. Once the child came out of prison costs were also involved, as most likely that child would need to be on social welfare. Inappropriate and stigmatizing language relating to children could easily be avoided, and such language adaptation was cost free. Stigmatizing a child, even if by language, was harmful to the child. Ms. Winter pointed out that States could address the Interagency Panel on Juvenile Justice for technical assistance, if necessary. III. Children deprived of liberty and children of incarcerated parents: protection and realization of their rights A. Introductory remarks and statements by panellists 29. The afternoon panel was moderated by the President of the Human Rights Council, and focused on children deprived of liberty and children of incarcerated parents. Introductory remarks were made by Sandeep Chawla, Deputy Executive Director of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime. Panellists included: Marta Santos Pais, Special Representative of the Secretary-General on violence against children; Rani D. Shankardass, Secretary-General of the Penal Reform and Justice Association–India; Luis Pedernera, Latin American and Caribbean Network for the Defence of the Rights of Boys, Girls and Adolescents; Dainius Puras, Head and Professor of the Centre of Child Psychiatry and Social Pediatrics at Vilnius University; and Abdul Manaff Kemokai, Executive Director of Defence for Children International, Sierra Leone. 30. Mr. Chawla said that the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime had at the core of its mandate the promotion of efficient, fair and humane criminal justice systems that protect the vulnerable and respect human rights. A common challenge faced by many countries was the lack of data and statistics available on children in contact and in conflict with the law, which, in fact, was a prerequisite for the development of sound policies and programmes aimed at promoting justice for children. In many countries, the legal and policy framework was simply inadequate to deal with children in contact with the law as alleged offenders, victims or witnesses. Moreover, criminal justice systems in many countries did not provide for mechanisms and institutions to enable children to benefit from diversion and alternative measures, leading to overreliance on deprivation of liberty of children in trouble with the law. It was estimated that over 1 million children worldwide were deprived of liberty, and not much was known about the profile of children in detention. Most of those children were charged with petty crimes and very few had committed violent offences. Many had been rounded up for homelessness and vagrancy and had committed no offence at all. The vast majority of children in trouble with the law never met with a lawyer prior to their trial. 31. Mr. Chawla emphasized that the consequences of violating children’s rights in the administration of justice could not be underestimated. Such violations seriously pre-empted the development and the ability of the child to grow into a functioning adult. The promotion and protection of children’s rights in the administration of justice was a matter of priority that could no longer be neglected by States and societies. It was also an obligation undertaken by countries ratifying the Convention on the Rights of the Child. In addition, a 9