In The Hague, the justice system for children in times of war in Ukraine was discussed.

Global Dialogue on Justice for Children in Armed Conflicts: Perspectives and Strategies

A global dialogue on justice for children during armed conflicts took place in The Hague. The event, titled 'Global Dialogue on Justice for Children in Armed Conflicts: Perspectives and Strategies in Ukraine and Beyond,' was conducted by international lawyers. Representatives from Ukraine, Sudan, Palestine, and Colombia participated to discuss the issues of crimes against children in conflict zones and their impact on future generations.

'No child in Ukraine has been spared from the aggression of Russia. They are not only victims of barbarity but also witnesses to these horrific events. Children often become targets of attacks and suffer from displacement and the loss of parents. Over the last three years, 1710 children have been injured in Ukraine, of which 593 were killed,' said Viktoriya Litvinova, Deputy Attorney General of Ukraine.

The event also highlighted the importance of integrating civil society into justice mechanisms. Participants discussed best practices from various countries and emphasized the importance of a comprehensive approach to justice, which includes not only holding the guilty accountable but also actively supporting the victims of crimes, especially children.

'Our collective responsibility is to prioritize the needs of children in all efforts to hold those accountable for these crimes, as well as recognizing the diverse traumas that children who have experienced war and violence go through,' emphasized Ruby Mae Axelson, head of the Gender Justice and Justice for Children department at Global Rights Compliance.

The event, which was organized with the support of the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the European Union, showcased significant achievements in developing innovative justice strategies for children in armed conflict zones. It was an important step towards raising awareness of the need for a comprehensive and child-friendly approach in international justice systems.