Council of Europe

"Don't walk in front of me; I may not follow. Don't walk behind me; I may not lead. Walk beside me and be my friend" Attributed to Albert Camus

In 2010, the Council of Europe has adopted Guidelines on child friendly justice intended to enhance children’s access to and treatment in justice. In the drafting process, it decided to listen directly to children and young people.

Around 30 partners throughout Europe have contributed to this consultation, preparing and disseminating a questionnaire, but also organising discussion groups with children and young people in their different surroundings in order to find out their views about justice in all its forms.

In total, over 3700 replies have been received from 25 countries, analysed by Professor Ursula Kilkelly, an Irish youth rights expert, and taken into account in the drafting of the guidelines on child-friendly justice. Key themes include family, mistrust of authority and need for respect, and the importance for children and young people to be listened to. We invite you to consult the report.

This consultation was carried out in spring 2010 with the generous support of the Government of Finland.

Guidelines on child friendly justice adopted by the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe on 17 November 2010 (Edited version 31 May 2011).
- summary
- a brief summary
 

Report on the consultation of children and young people on justice:
- summary
- full report
- child-friendly version