Samenvatting

This article provides insights into differences and similarities in characteristics, treatment and punishment of girls compared to boys in the youth justice system. Empirical evidence on this issue is limited, certainly in the Netherlands. Nevertheless, there is some evidence of differences in treatment and punishment between girls and boys. This article reflects on the question to what extent differentiation between girls and boys in the youth justice system is justified from a criminological perspective and how this relates to the principle of equality and non-discrimination, laid down in Article 2 of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child.