Although many European countries have sophisticated criminal justice systems, further efforts are needed to ensure international and European standards are met so that people in contact with the law have their human rights protected. With significant challenges remaining across justice systems in Europe, people from minority or marginalised groups are often disproportionately impacted by crime policies and face discrimination.
Some of the key challenges in the region include prison overcrowding, delays in the trial process, poor treatment of people in vulnerable situations and in some areas poor coordination between criminal justice agencies, lack of resources and political will to make significant reforms.
The Europe programme is based in Amsterdam, the Netherlands. Current work focuses on:
- developing child-friendly justice systems
- promoting effective non-custodial sanctions, particularly for vulnerable groups
- supporting countries and criminal justice systems to implement European (Council of Europe and European Union) and international standards
- building the effectiveness of detention monitoring bodies to prevent and address human rights violations
- building networks of expertise.
Latest updates
Guidelines
10 point plan: Protecting the procedural rights of children in the digitalisation of justice
This 10-point plan provides practical guidance on safeguarding the procedural rights of children in the digitalisation of justice systems, with a particular focus on remote hearings. It sets out clear and evidence-based recommendations to ensure that digital tools do not risk or violate children’s rights, including the right to a fair trial, meaningful participation, privacy and legal representation. […]
Languages: English, French, Romanian, Spanish
Report
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 […]
Languages: English
Blog post
Rethinking prison landscapes: Why green space must be central to penal reform
In this blog, the authors argue that green spaces are essential prison infrastructure, showing that biodiverse landscapes reduce violence, stress and self-harm, support rehabilitation and security, and improve climate resilience. Even small changes in older prisons can help, making nature-rich environments key to dignity and meaningful reform.
2nd December 2025