6 August, 2025 - Across the globe, millions of children and young people face systemic and structural violence. Some of the most affected are those in contact with justice systems, especially those that are not well equipped to respect,protect and fulfil children’s rights.
Building on the momentum of the first Global Ministerial Conference to End Violence Against Children, the recent Digital Dialogue on Child-Centred Justice—organized by UNODC, UNICEF and WHO—brought over 230 global stakeholders together to drive cross-regional learning and discuss strategies for promoting child-centred justice reform efforts that are aimed at better serving children and protecting them from crime and violence. Participants included government representatives, technical experts, representatives from civil society organizations and children and young people with lived experience.
Dr. Marta Rodriguez de Assis Machado, Brazil’s National Secretary for Drug Policies and Asset Management, confirmed that since the Bogotá Conference, Brazil has launched its first-ever National Strategy to End Violence Against Children, “Crescer em Paz”. Inspired by the UNODC-OSRSG-VAC Strategy to End Violence Against Children (2023-2030), “Crescer em Paz” sets out a comprehensive and ambitious framework for the protection of children from violence, drugs and crime. Led by the Ministry of Justice and Public Security in consultation with other national counterparts, civil society and academia, and most importantly with children and young people themselves, the strategy is grounded in the principle: ‘Nothing for us, without us’.
“We are proud to be the first country to partner with UNODC in developing a national strategy to eliminate violence against children and we encourage other countries to follow suit” Dr. Machado stated. Dr. Najat Maalla M’jid, Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General on Violence Against Children, has described the Brazilian strategy as “recognizing the indispensable role that the justice system plays, not only in preventing but also in responding to the serious forms of violence faced by children.”
From Nigeria, Ms. Edna Casely and Ms. Hauwa’u Muhammad Lawan - Youth Peace Champions trained, selected and mentored under UNODC’s EU funded STRIVE Juvenile project - emphasized the critical role that young people play in driving transformative change for children and justice reform in the North-Eastern part of the country. Through radio campaigns and social media, they challenge harmful stereotypes of children affected by armed conflict, while advocating for rehabilitation, reintegration and reconciliation. The young leaders showcased the recently launched Youth Call to Action, a landmark declaration co-signed by the State Governments of Borno, Yobe and Adamawa, UNODC and civil society leaders, which demands child-sensitive justice systems and the recognition of children associated with armed and criminal groups as primarily victims.
A dynamic panel saw experts share actionable insights on advancing child-centred justice across diverse national contexts. Mr. Abba Ali Yarima Mustapha, National Programme Officer at UNODC Nigeria, emphasized UNODC’s added value in effectively and meaningfully engaging children and young people to strengthen local and national justice systems.
Mr. Ben Wildfire, Child Protection Specialist at UNICEF Pacific, highlighted the progress that Fiji has made in child justice through the adoption of child-sensitive procedures and diversion programmes, thereby demonstrating how partnerships with local actors have led to more rehabilitative and inclusive approaches for children in contact with the justice systems.
Dr. Bernadette Madrid, Executive Director of the Child Protection Network, detailed the evolution of Women and Children Protection Units in the Philippines and underscored the need for legal and health services to provide holistic support, and for multidisciplinary teams to ensure coordinated care. Participants learnt that the Philippines has been steadily advancing on the commitments made in Bogotá and is in the process of adopting a new national case management protocol.
Concluding the panel discussion, Mr. Cédric Foussard, Founder and President of the International Centre for Justice Alliance, offered a forward-looking vision: child-centred justice systems that prioritize children's rights, intersectoral collaboration and sustained investment in prevention and early intervention at all levels.
The Digital Dialogue served as an opportunity to reaffirm Member States’ collective commitments towards placing children at the centre of justice and recognizing the importance of justice systems that are attuned to the specific needs and rights of children. Through the exchange of experiences, insights and innovations, the Dialogue fostered supported the translation of these shared commitments into meaningful action to advance child-centred justice.
