The 5th World Congress on Justice With Children, held from June 2 to 4, 2025, in Madrid, Spain, was organized by the Global Initiative on Justice With Children. This collaborative effort included Terre des hommes – Lausanne Foundation, Penal Reform International, the International Association of Youth and Family Judges and Magistrates, and the Global Campus of Human Rights. The Congress convened global stakeholders to address pressing challenges in child justice systems worldwide.
The central theme of the Congress was "Advancing Child-Centred Justice: Preventing and Responding to Violence Affecting Children in Child Justice Systems." Key topics included ending child detention, ensuring justice during crises such as armed conflicts, integrating digital justice while upholding procedural safeguards, applying neuroscience in child justice systems, and empowering communities through legal pluralism and restorative justice practices.
The event featured high-level plenary sessions, interactive workshops, and global satellite events, fostering meaningful dialogue and collaboration among policymakers, practitioners, academics, civil society representatives, and youth advocates. Notable speakers included Ms. Marja Ruotanen, Director General of Democracy and Human Dignity at the Council of Europe; Ms. Annie Devos, President of the European Probation Confederation; Justice Syed Mansoor Ali Shah of the Supreme Court of Pakistan; Mr. Alpha Sesay, Attorney General and Minister of Justice of Sierra Leone; and Ms. Marie Louise Coleiro, former President of Malta and Chairwoman of Eurochild.
The Congress provided a platform for professionals to exchange best practices, foster scientific cooperation, formulate policy recommendations, and raise awareness about child-centred justice. Attendees included policymakers, justice professionals, academics, civil society leaders, and youth advocates, all committed to building just and inclusive societies for children.
Speakers(50)
Ailin Sanchez
Member at 2025 Justice With Children Child and Youth Advisory Committee
Ailin Sanchez is a member of the 2025 Justice With Children Child and Youth Advisory Committee, advocating for child-centered justice policies.
Alexandru Benzari
Member at 2025 Justice With Children Child and Youth Advisory Committee
Alexandru Benzari contributes to the 2025 Justice With Children Child and Youth Advisory Committee, advocating for children's rights.
Alice Jill Edwards
Special Rapporteur at Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment
Alice Jill Edwards is the UN Special Rapporteur on Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment, advocating against torture practices globally.
Alpha Sesay
Attorney General and Minister of Justice at Sierra Leone
Alpha Sesay serves as the Attorney General and Minister of Justice for Sierra Leone, leading efforts to enhance the country's justice system and uphold the rule of law.
Ana Checa Martnez
Member at 2025 Justice With Children Child and Youth Advisory Committee
Ana Checa Martnez serves on the 2025 Justice With Children Child and Youth Advisory Committee, advocating for child-centered justice policies.
Angela C. Vigil
Pro Bono Partner and Executive Director of Global Pro Bono at Baker & McKenzie LLP
Angela C. Vigil is the Pro Bono Partner and Executive Director of Global Pro Bono at Baker & McKenzie LLP, leading pro bono initiatives focused on children's rights.
Anghelina Severin
Member at 2025 Justice With Children Child and Youth Advisory Committee
Anghelina Severin serves on the 2025 Justice With Children Child and Youth Advisory Committee, focusing on youth engagement in legal reforms.
Anisa Alla
Member at 2025 Justice With Children Child and Youth Advisory Committee
Anisa Alla serves on the 2025 Justice With Children Child and Youth Advisory Committee, representing youth perspectives in justice matters.
Ann Skelton
Chairperson at UN Committee on the Rights of the Child
Ann Skelton is the Chairperson of the UN Committee on the Rights of the Child, specializing in children's rights law and policy development.
Annemarie Marchena-Slot
Associate Professor in Children's Rights at University of Curaao
Annemarie Marchena-Slot is an Associate Professor with tenure in Children's Rights at the University of Curaao, focusing on legal protections for minors.
Annie Devos
President at European Probation Confederation
Annie Devos is the President of the European Probation Confederation and also serves as the Director-General at the Ministry of Justice in Belgium, focusing on probation services and justice reforms.
Aseel Ibrahim
Member at 2025 Justice With Children Child and Youth Advisory Committee
Aseel Ibrahim is a member of the 2025 Justice With Children Child and Youth Advisory Committee, providing insights on youth justice issues.
Ben Saul
Special Rapporteur at Promotion and Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms while Countering Terrorism
Ben Saul is the UN Special Rapporteur on the Promotion and Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms while Countering Terrorism, focusing on the balance between security measures and human rights.
Benoit Van Keirsbilck
Member at United Nations Committee on the Rights of the Child
Benoit Van Keirsbilck is a Member of the United Nations Committee on the Rights of the Child, focusing on monitoring and implementing children's rights worldwide.
Biraj Swain
Chief Minister's Chair Professor at National Law University Odisha
Biraj Swain is the Chief Minister's Chair Professor at the National Law University Odisha, specializing in legal studies related to children's rights.
Brian L. King
Member at 2025 Justice With Children Child and Youth Advisory Committee
Brian King serves on the 2025 Justice With Children Child and Youth Advisory Committee, representing youth perspectives in justice matters.
Carla Ammary
Member at 2025 Justice With Children Child and Youth Advisory Committee
Carla Ammary is a member of the 2025 Justice With Children Child and Youth Advisory Committee, advocating for youth participation in justice systems.
Carlos Tiffer
Professor of Criminal Sciences at University of Costa Rica
Carlos Tiffer is a Professor in the Postgraduate Programme in Criminal Sciences at the University of Costa Rica, specializing in juvenile justice.
Catherine Russell
Executive Director at United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF)
Catherine Russell is the Executive Director of UNICEF, leading global efforts to promote and protect children's rights.
Dhruv Bhatt
Member at 2025 Justice With Children Child and Youth Advisory Committee
Dhruv Bhatt contributes to the 2025 Justice With Children Child and Youth Advisory Committee, focusing on legal reforms for children's rights.
Elisa Morgera
Special Rapporteur at Climate Change and Human Rights
Elisa Morgera is the UN Special Rapporteur on Climate Change and Human Rights, examining the impact of environmental changes on human rights.
Faith Gordon
Associate Professor at ANU College of Law, The Australian National University
Faith Gordon is the Director of the Interdisciplinary International Youth Justice Network and an Associate Professor at the ANU College of Law, focusing on youth justice issues.
Gehad Madi
Special Rapporteur at Human Rights of Migrants
Gehad Madi serves as the UN Special Rapporteur on the Human Rights of Migrants, addressing issues related to the rights and treatment of migrant populations.
Hazel Thompson-Ahye
Independent Senator at Parliament of Trinidad and Tobago
Hazel Thompson-Ahye serves as an Independent Senator in the Parliament of Trinidad and Tobago, advocating for legislative reforms in child justice.
Hermine Kembo Takam Gatsing
Member at African Committee of Experts on the Rights and Welfare of the Child
Hermine Kembo Takam Gatsing is a Member of the African Committee of Experts on the Rights and Welfare of the Child, contributing to policy and advocacy for children's rights in Africa.
Ingun Fornes
Associate Professor at University of Bergen
Ingun Fornes is an Associate Professor at the Faculty of Law, University of Bergen, and a researcher at The Regional Centre for Research and Education in Forensic Psychiatry and Psychology.
Isabel Lzaro
Director of the Legal Clinic at ICADE, Comillas Pontifical University
Isabel Lzaro is the Director of the Legal Clinic at ICADE, Comillas Pontifical University, providing legal services and education focused on children's rights.
Jennifer Davidson
Executive Director at Institute for Inspiring Children's Futures, University of Strathclyde
Jennifer Davidson is the Executive Director of the Institute for Inspiring Children's Futures at the University of Strathclyde, leading initiatives to improve children's well-being globally.
Julie Victoria Franklin
Member at 2025 Justice With Children Child and Youth Advisory Committee
Julie Victoria Franklin serves on the 2025 Justice With Children Child and Youth Advisory Committee, focusing on child-centered justice initiatives.
Justice Syed Mansoor Ali Shah
Judge at Supreme Court of Pakistan
Justice Syed Mansoor Ali Shah is a Judge at the Supreme Court of Pakistan, known for his contributions to judicial reforms and the promotion of children's rights within the legal system.
Karabo Ozah
Director and Lecturer at Centre for Child Law, University of Pretoria
Karabo Ozah is the Director and Lecturer at the Centre for Child Law, University of Pretoria, focusing on legal advocacy for children's rights.
Kattiya Ratanadilok
Director at Justice Research and Development Institute, Thailand Ministry of Justice
Kattiya Ratanadilok is the Director of the Justice Research and Development Institute at the Office of Justice Affairs, Thailand Ministry of Justice, focusing on justice system reforms.
Lilas Kabi
Member at 2025 Justice With Children Child and Youth Advisory Committee
Lilas Kabi is a member of the 2025 Justice With Children Child and Youth Advisory Committee, focusing on youth participation in justice initiatives.
Lux Souto Maior
Member at 2025 Justice With Children Child and Youth Advisory Committee
Lux Souto Maior contributes to the 2025 Justice With Children Child and Youth Advisory Committee, advocating for children's rights in justice systems.
Mama Fatima Singhateh
Special Rapporteur at Sale, Sexual Exploitation and Sexual Abuse of Children
Mama Fatima Singhateh is the UN Special Rapporteur on the Sale, Sexual Exploitation, and Sexual Abuse of Children, working to combat child exploitation worldwide.
Manfred Nowak
Independent Expert at UN Global Study on Children Deprived of Liberty
Manfred Nowak is an Independent Expert leading the UN Global Study on Children Deprived of Liberty, focusing on the conditions and treatment of detained children worldwide.
Marie Louise Coleiro
Chairwoman at Eurochild
Marie Louise Coleiro is the Chairwoman of Eurochild and the former President of Malta, advocating for children's rights and welfare across Europe.
Marja Ruotanen
Director General of Democracy and Human Dignity at Council of Europe
Marja Ruotanen serves as the Director General of Democracy and Human Dignity at the Council of Europe, overseeing initiatives that promote democratic governance and human rights across member states.
Mlodie Constant
Member at 2025 Justice With Children Child and Youth Advisory Committee
Mlodie Constant is a member of the 2025 Justice With Children Child and Youth Advisory Committee, focusing on advocacy for children's rights.
Nadia Beddiar
Professor in Public Law at Catholic University of Lille
Nadia Beddiar is a Professor HDR in Public Law at the Catholic University of Lille, specializing in legal frameworks for child protection.
Rahaf Abu Mayyaleh
Member at 2025 Justice With Children Child and Youth Advisory Committee
Rahaf Abu Mayyaleh is a member of the 2025 Justice With Children Child and Youth Advisory Committee, contributing youth perspectives to justice initiatives.
Robert Doya Nanima
Member at African Committee of Experts on the Rights and Welfare of the Child
Robert Doya Nanima is a Member of the African Committee of Experts on the Rights and Welfare of the Child, contributing to policy development for child welfare.
Salew P Kadena
Member at 2025 Justice With Children Child and Youth Advisory Committee
Salew P Kadena serves on the 2025 Justice With Children Child and Youth Advisory Committee, representing youth interests in justice discussions.
Samantha Rodrguez Santillan
Member at 2025 Justice With Children Child and Youth Advisory Committee
Samantha Rodrguez Santillan is a member of the 2025 Justice With Children Child and Youth Advisory Committee, focusing on youth engagement in justice reforms.
Sanchit Maitra
Member at 2025 Justice With Children Child and Youth Advisory Committee
Sanchit Maitra contributes to the 2025 Justice With Children Child and Youth Advisory Committee, emphasizing youth engagement in justice reforms.
Sira Rego
Minister of Youth and Childhood at Government of Spain
Sira Rego serves as the Minister of Youth and Childhood of the Government of Spain, overseeing policies related to youth and child welfare.
Tariq Lawal
Member at 2025 Justice With Children Child and Youth Advisory Committee
Tariq Lawal is a member of the 2025 Justice With Children Child and Youth Advisory Committee, focusing on advocacy for children's rights.
Ton Liefaard
Professor of Children's Rights at Leiden University
Ton Liefaard is the Professor of Children's Rights and Head of the Department of Child Law and Health Law at Leiden University, holding the UNICEF Chair in Children's Rights.
Victor R Herrera
Member at 2025 Justice With Children Child and Youth Advisory Committee
Victor R Herrera contributes to the 2025 Justice With Children Child and Youth Advisory Committee, focusing on legal reforms for children's rights.
Yuyun Wahyuningrum
Representative of Indonesia at ASEAN Intergovernmental Commission on Human Rights
Yuyun Wahyuningrum is the Representative of Indonesia to the ASEAN Intergovernmental Commission on Human Rights, advocating for human rights policies in the region.
Event Details
- Date
- June 2-4, 2025
- 3 days
- Location
- 🇪🇸 Madrid, Spain
- Universidad Pontificia de Comillas
- Audience
- Policymakers, justice professionals, academics, civil society leaders, youth advocates
- Attendees
- Approximately 700 in-person participants