Child protection

Justice for children

A boy in a Chisinau, Moldova detention centre reads a newspaper.

Children may be in contact with justice systems as victims, witnesses, (alleged) offenders or for other reasons, such as their need for care, custody or protection. Justice systems must serve and protect them better.

The juvenile justice system deals with children in conflict with the law, i.e. children alleged of, accused of or recognized as having committed an offense. Justice for Children is a broader term that includes all those who are in contact with the law, whether in the criminal, civil, administrative, military or international justice system and for whatever reason.

When their rights are violated, children are entitled to a just and timely remedy. In order for them or their representatives to seek redress, they have a right to access to justice. Lack of access to justice is a defining attribute of poverty and certain groups –- such as women, minorities and people with disabilities – are generally more affected than others. Due to their dependent status, children are particularly vulnerable. Children’s access to justice is at the core of UNICEF’s equity agenda.

The Justice for Children approach also places justice for children on UN rule of law agendas and by doing so, provides a base to broaden partnerships and leverage the work of UN entities and others around rule of law, for greater impact on the realization of child rights.

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NEW ! Juvenile justice in Central Asia

UNICEF launched a new report in June on Central Asia`s progress and challenges towards establishing juvenile justice systems in line with international standards.

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Find out more how EU works with UNICEF to realize child rights.

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