22
February
2017

Child-friendly justice – perspectives and experiences of children and professionals - Summary

Around 2.5 million children participate in judicial proceedings across the European Union (EU)
every year, affected by parental divorce or as victims of, or witnesses to, crime. Although their
effective participation in such proceedings is vital for improving the operation of justice, the
treatment of children in justice systems remains a concern.

FRA investigated to what extent children’s rights to be heard, to be informed, to be protected, and to non-discrimination are fulfilled in practice. This included extensive interviews with both professionals and children involved in judicial proceedings. The first report presented professionals’ views. The current report focuses on the perspectives of children, outlining their views on factors that impede their full participation and on efforts that can help overcome such barriers. Like the first report, it underscores that much remains to be done to make justice across the EU truly child-friendly.

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