UNICEF and Ministry of Justice reaffirm commitment to protect children’s rights through enhanced collaboration

WARSAW, Poland, 19 November 2024 – UNICEF and the Ministry of Justice, in partnership with the National School of Judiciary and Public Prosecution, and the Institute of Forensic Research, have taken a significant step forward in ensuring the implementation of child-sensitive justice especially for refugee and migrant children in Poland. A letter of exchange and workplan outlining key initiatives for 2025 was signed, building on the existing successful collaboration.

The cooperation aims to enhance access to justice for children by strengthening legal frameworks, building the capacity of justice professionals, and supporting implementation of child safeguarding standards. This partnership underlines the shared commitment to raising awareness of children’s rights within the justice system and addressing the unique challenges faced by refugee and migrant children and other vulnerable groups.

Since 2023, the collaboration has achieved notable progress in protecting children, especially those affected by conflict and displacement. Key joint results include the development of safeguarding standards for shelters and juvenile centers, and the establishment of an expert group to address the legal needs of unaccompanied and separated children from Ukraine. Over 5,000 justice professionals have been trained in child-friendly legal procedures, domestic violence cases, and built their capacities to address vulnerabilities specific to refugee and migrant children, such as trafficking and war trauma. The Institute of Forensic Research has further enhanced child-sensitive approaches by developing methodologies for interviewing children in legal proceedings and issuing guidelines for expert witnesses.

The partnership between UNICEF and the Ministry of Justice will address the following key priorities in 2025:

• Strengthening systems: improving local cooperation in child abuse cases, advancing serious case review processes, and reviewing systemic responses to children in conflict with the law, particularly refugee children.
• Professional development: expanding training programs for justice professionals on handling child abuse cases and expert opinions in family and criminal matters.
• Enhanced services: supporting the implementation of safeguarding standards in juvenile centers to better protect children in conflict with the law.
• Innovative projects: launching a multidisciplinary model for children who have survived violence, as part of the European Union-funded initiative, “Strengthening response to violence against children”.

The renewal of this important partnership marks a continued effort to strengthen Poland’s justice system in a way that prioritizes the welfare of children, especially those affected by conflict and displacement. UNICEF and the Ministry of Justice remain committed to working together to create a safer, more inclusive environment where children’s rights are upheld, and their voices are heard.