Fair, effective and child-friendly justice systems: A prerequisite to end violence against children

Throughout the world, millions of children face violence and fear, much of it hidden from the world’s gaze. We all have a tremendous responsibility to save lives and to end the degrading violence against children that occurs in every country and every region of the world. This not only calls for an integrated response and greater cooperation, but also a recognition of the powerful role that justice systems can play in protecting children and respecting their rights. The UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) is committed, along with its partners, to highlighting the connections between justice and the sustainable development goals and contributing to the end of violence against children by 2030. I hope that this article successfully conveys the importance of a fair, effective and humane justice system as a necessary requirement to protect children from violence. In doing so, it makes use of three cases as illustrations and then goes on to outline key issues that should be taken into account if we are to effectively prevent and respond to this pervasive phenomenon.

Sustainable Development Goals:

Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions