The 2021 World Congress on Justice with Children – “Ensuring access to justice for all children: towards non-discriminatory and inclusive child justice systems” took place online from the 15th to the 20th of November 2021
Many children across the globe face multiple and intersecting forms of discrimination resulting in their social exclusion and lack of access to services and resources, which violates their fundamental rights.
Children in contact with justice systems – as victims, witnesses or perpetrators – need special care and protection as they may experience discrimination from the justice system itself.
The World Congress on Justice With Children gathered children alongside policymakers, legal practitioners, academics, and civil society representatives with relevant work experience to influence Child Justice, explore best practices, foster scientific cooperation, and raise awareness on child-friendly justice.
The World Congress was coorganised by the founding partners of the Global Initiative on Justice With Children comprising of: Terre des hommes Foundation, Penal Reform International, AIMJF, and the International Institute for the Rights of the Child and hosted by the federal Mexican Supreme Court of Justice, with technical support from the United Nations Children’s Fund, the Office of the Special Representative of the United Nations Secretary-General on Violence Against Children, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, and the Pathfinders for Peaceful, Just and Inclusive Societies; under the auspices of the Council of Europe and the European Parliament; and with pro bono support from Baker McKenzie.
Over one week, the Congress aimed to place children’s rights at the top of the international agenda to promote fair and appropriate justice systems for and with children.
To learn more about the Global Initiative on Justice With Children visit: https://justicewithchildren.org/