AIMJF COMPARATIVE AND COLLABORATIVE RESEARCH ON CHILD PARTICIPATION AS VICTIMS AND WITNESSES IN CRIMINAL CASES

This comparative analysis examines how 45 countries handle child participation when children are victims or witnesses in criminal cases. The research, based on reports from judges and magistrates, analyzes key aspects including children's right to be heard, protection measures, interview procedures, and coordination between justice systems and support services. The study synthesizes international standards and identifies gaps and reforms needed across different jurisdictions. The work aims to promote knowledge-sharing among judicial systems about best practices for protecting and supporting children in criminal proceedings.

Key points

• Analysis covers 11 key dimensions of child participation in criminal justice, from right to be heard to training of justice professionals
• Data collected from 45 national reports via the International Association of Youth and Family Judges and Magistrates
• Study highlights applicable international and regional standards for child protection in criminal cases
• Identifies need for coordination between justice systems and other support services
• Recommendations target further international judicial dialogue and experience sharing

Limitations

The document provides only the abstract and structure of the analysis; it does not present the actual findings, data, or country-specific results from the 45 national reports. We cannot determine which specific protection measures are most effective or which countries have the strongest frameworks for child participation.