Upholding children’s rights in remote hearings in child justice systems: Lessons from four jurisdictions (Ireland, Romania, Spain, Ukraine)

This research was carried out within the framework of the “Protecting Procedural Rights of Children in the Digital Age” project, funded by the European Union’s Justice (JUST) Programme, implemented by Penal Reform International and Terre des hommes Romania and Hungary, and Fundación Tierra de Hombres España. The project seeks to deepen understanding of how children’s rights can be effectively protected in the rapidly evolving digital environment, with particular attention to remote hearings, and develop solutions aiming to safeguard children’s procedural rights. This study is a collaborative effort to capture the experiences and perspectives of children and justice professionals across three European Union member states and Ukraine providing a foundation for improving child-sensitive practices in remote hearings.

The research methodology was developed and led by Dr. Oscar O’Mara, with Professor Nessa Lynch providing guidance in an advisory capacity during the methodological design phase. At the national level, the research was coordinated by Dr. O’Mara and implemented by national experts: Dr. Claire Raissain in Ireland, Av. Daniela Zaharia Manescu in Romania, Victor Herrera in Spain, and Polina Klykova, with the support of Article 3, in Ukraine.

Above all, this research owes its depth and authenticity to the children and justice professionals who generously shared their time, perspectives, and experiences. Their openness and honesty brought real meaning to this study, turning data into understanding and challenges into lessons. In many ways, this is their work—reflecting their experiences, their realities, and their hopes for a system that protects and listens to every child.

This report is intended to support everyone engaged in shaping child-friendly justice—from policymakers and practitioners to researchers and advocates—by offering grounded insights and practical reflections that can inform future action on the application of remote hearings.