5th World Congress on Justice With Children in Madrid
Global event to advance children’s rights in justice systems

Madrid, Spain – 1 June 2025 – The 5th edition of the World Congress on Justice With Children will be held in Madrid, Spain, from 2 to 4 June 2025, under the theme:
“Advancing Child-Centred Justice: Preventing and Responding to Violence Affecting Children in the Child Justice Systems.”

Organised by the Global Initiative on Justice With Children, in collaboration with Terre des hommes Lausanne, Penal Reform International, the International Association of Youth and Family Judges and Magistrates (IAYFJM), and the Global Campus of Human Rights, the Congress is also supported by Comillas University and Terre des hommes Spain, alongside other international organisations.

Taghreed Jaber, Regional Director for the Middle East and North Africa at Penal Reform International and one of the Congress’s key partners, emphasised the importance of the event, stating: “The Congress will bring together a diverse community of global experts, policy makers, judges, legal professionals, academics, civil society actors—and most importantly, children and youth themselves. Our goal is to develop actionable strategies and recommendations that ensure justice systems are safer and more equitable for children worldwide.”

Over three days, the Congress will feature research papers, interactive workshops, and side events organized by a range of countries and child-focused organisations. These sessions will explore best practices and country experiences that support comprehensive child protection, particularly for children who come into contact with the law, whether as alleged offenders, victims, witnesses, or those affected by legal proceedings.

A unique aspect of the Congress is the meaningful participation of children and youth, who will play an active role in shaping the discussions and contributing to policy recommendations that reflect their needs and perspectives.

Recognising the importance of accessibility, the Congress will also be broadcast live via satellite and online platforms, allowing global experts, practitioners, and advocates to join virtually. 

Jaber highlighted that attendees from diverse fields—including human rights, health, psychology, and community development—are encouraged to engage in the discussions. Their insights will help formulate concrete, interdisciplinary recommendations aligned with the Congress’s key focus areas:

• Reforming child-centred justice policies
• Preventing and responding to violence affecting children in justice systems
  
• Ending the detention of children
  
• Justice in times of crisis
  
• Digital justice and child-friendly procedures
  
• Neuroscience-informed approaches in justice systems
  
• Empowering communities

Hosting the Congress this year in Madrid sends a strong message: international cooperation is essential to reimagine a safer and more just world for children, especially in the face of growing global challenges.

The Congress will culminate in the launch of two landmark documents: the “Global Declaration on Preventing Violence in Child Justice Systems” and the “Global Strategy on Justice With Children 2025–2030”, setting a long-term vision to protect and empower children in justice systems worldwide.

For media inquiries and interview requests:

Maha Amro

Communications Manager PRI/MENA
Comms.MENA@penalreform.org