The Global Initiative on Justice With Children is a joint programme developed by a group of international organisations to address the most current issues related to children in contact and conflict with the law.
The Global Initiative on Justice With Children aims to facilitate interaction between professionals through an online and onsite space for reflection, exchange and constant learning in the field of child justice.
This initiative focuses on crime prevention, alternatives to deprivation of liberty with special consideration to restorative justice, improvement of conditions of detention, both for children and young adults. The study of the different legal systems as well as the current trends related to child justice are at the core of the Global Initiative.
The initiative has a double-pronged approach:
- Justice With Children Global Milestone through World Congresses on Justice With Children as well as regional and national preparatory meetings.
- A Global Community of Practitioners through the Justice With Children online platform.
Our History
The Global Initiative on Justice With Children was launched in 2019, at the Palais des Nations, in Geneva, in the context of the 30th anniversary of the Convention of the Right of the child.
It is the fruit of the collaboration of a group of international NGOs which partnered for the organisation of the 2018 World Congress on Justice for Children: “Strengthening Justice Systems for Children: Challenges, including disengagement from violent extremism”, held at the UNESCO House in Paris.
Across 3 days, over 1000 people from 100 countries participated in 28 workshops and more than 10 plenary sessions. Children and young people, who participated in the 2018 World Congress called our collective responsibility to move forward by building justice for children with children. Where children themselves are empowered supported to play key roles in creating change.
Our Vision
Why organise World Congresses on Justice With Children?
- Make children’s rights effective worldwide.
- Promote access to justice and participation of children in formal, and informal justice systems.
- Improve the connection between justice for children and child protection systems.
- Promote non-custodial measures worldwide and reduce the use of deprivation of liberty.
- Exchange practice-oriented strategies to reduce and prevent juvenile crime and propose effective responses to recidivism.
Why Launch A Global Platform On Justice With Children?
- Create continuity between each World Congress thanks to an on-line follow up of actions defined during regional and global events,
- Develop online working groups, training, campaigns, community of practice etc.,
- Support international and regional advocacy activities.
Our actions
At The Global Initiative on Justice With Children, we are dedicated to shaping a future where justice justice systems put children at the centre.
Our commitment extends to aligning our efforts with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), with a particular emphasis on SDG16. SDG16 focuses on promoting peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development, providing access to justice for all, and building effective, accountable, and inclusive institutions. Our priorities are rooted in the insights gained from the 2021 World Congress on Justice With Children. These priorities serve as our compass, guiding our efforts towards meaningful change.
Our Key Priorities:
1. Community Empowerment
2. Ending Child Detention
3. Digital Justice for Children
4. Justice in Times of Crises
5. Neuroscience and Child Justice
6. World Congress on Justice With Children
To achieve these priorities, we engage in a multifaceted approach encompassing networking, research, advocacy, awareness raising, training, and technical advice.
By collaborating with a diverse range of stakeholders, we aim to amplify our impact and advance towards child-centred justice systems.