Main findings of the recent child-friendly justice self-assessments conducted in Belgium, Poland and Slovenia were the focus of a round table organised by the Joint European Union-Council of Europe Child-Friendly Justice (CFJ) Project in Strasbourg on 26 November 2024. These assessments carried out through the roll-out of the Council of Europe Child-friendly Justice Assessment Tool, are part of the broader initiative aimed at aligning national justice systems with Council of Europe and European Union standards, such as the Guidelines of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe on Child-friendly Justice.
The round table brought together stakeholders from Belgium, Poland, and Slovenia — the project’s focus countries — alongside experts, policy makers, and children and youths who have experienced the justice system firsthand. Representatives of the project’s three partner countries — Greece, Portugal, and Hungary — offered advisory support, sharing their own practices and experiences in child-friendly justice to guide reforms in the focus countries.
A highlight of the event was active participation of children and young people in discussions with national representatives. These young participants shared highly valuable key messages, emphasising the importance of being heard and understood. A poignant remark from a child resonated deeply: “You are the people who can give us hope, so let us all transform justice in Europe together.”
Marie-Cécile Rouillon, European Commission’s Coordinator of the Rights of the Child, underlined the European Union’s commitment to making justice systems child-friendly and the role of the CFJ Project in finding concrete solutions for children in contact with the law. Recalling the words of a child who told the European Commission, “I did not know that I could be heard,” Rouillon underscored the significance of these efforts in empowering children. She also stressed the importance of aligning the self-assessments with EU standards to ensure consistency and impact.
Regina Jensdottir, Council of Europe Coordinator for the Rights of the Child and Head of the Children’s Rights Division, highlighted the importance of collective action in advancing child-friendly justice. “Today’s gathering is a crucial step towards ensuring that justice systems across Europe not only serve but truly protect and empower children who come into contact with the law,” she said. Jensdottir emphasised the value of listening attentively to children’s key messages and turning their insights into actionable legislative and policy reforms.
The dialogue between children and representatives fostered mutual understanding, sparking commitments to prioritise reforms that meet the needs of children and their families.
In the afternoon, the CFJ Project held its 2nd Steering Committee meeting, which reviewed progress and refined strategies for upcoming activities, including awareness-raising activities and capacity-building workshops. Participants also explored ways to enhance the Council of Europe’s CFJ Assessment Tool and improve coordination among project stakeholders.