The Final conference of the Joint European Union – Council of Europe Child-friendly Justice Project was held on 27 May 2026 in Athens, in co-operation with the Ministry of Justice of the Hellenic Republic. The event brought together representatives from Belgium, Greece, Hungary, Poland, Portugal and Slovenia, as well as international organisations and NGOs to take stock, showcase key project results and outline the way forward for making justice systems truly child-friendly and inclusive across Europe.
Opening the event, Minister of Justice of the Hellenic Republic, Giorgos Floridis, underlined: “The core principles of Child-Friendly Justice—the best interests of the child, their meaningful participation, access to information, non-discrimination, protection from all forms of secondary victimization, and respect for their age and maturity—form the foundations of a system that places human dignity at its center.” Other high-level Greek representatives also emphasised the importance of adapting justice systems to children’s needs and having their voices heard and trusted, and their rights respected.
A key highlight of the conference was a panel discussion led by children from Greece entitled “A deep dive into children’s further needs within justice systems”. During the session, the children shared their experiences from a mock trial initiative implemented by the Greek Ministry of Justice. They highlighted major challenges in the current justice system: trials primarily focused on offenders, child victims being required to prove they have suffered and the frequent feeling of not being properly listened to. The children called for action to tackle the root causes of these issues within child-friendly justice.
Director General of Democracy and Human Dignity, Marja Ruotanen, reminded participants that “Child-friendly justice is more than a checklist – it is a conscious, political choice. A choice to elevate children’s rights above convenience, to break free from rigid traditions, and to resist complacency”.
Addressing the audience in a pre-recorded video message, European Commissioner for Democracy, Justice, the Rule of Law and Consumer Protection, Michael McGrath, added “Justice systems must serve everyone - and that includes children. Children deserve a system that advocates for them, hears their voices, and respects their rights.”
Launched in January 2024 as a 30-month initiative, the Joint Child-friendly Justice Project, aimed at improving the protection of children in contact with the law across Europe. Implemented by the Children’s Rights Division of the Council of Europe and supported by the European Commission’s DG JUST, it is a perfect example of interinstitutional co-operation working to address vital issues such as children’s rights.
The intervention focused on Belgium, Poland and Slovenia as pilot countries, with Greece, Hungary and Portugal participating as partners. The pilot countries carried out self-assessments of their justice systems using the Child-friendly Justice Assessment Tool, developed under the project to support implementation of the Council of Europe Guidelines on Child-friendly Justice. The tool is available in several languages and in a child-friendly version.
Between September to December 2025, multidisciplinary professionals benefitted from targeted capacity-building trainings. In October-November, awareness-raising activities reached both children in contact with the law and adults. A comprehensive Handbook on the state of child-friendly justice in Europe was produced. Additionally, a feasibility study explored diversion, alternatives to detention, prevention of offending and reoffending, and restorative justice approaches.
Phase II of the project is expected to start in July 2026 and will focus on diversion and alternatives to detention, restorative justice, and prevention.
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