Press Release: Children in criminal proceedings: European Commission proposal to increase protection makes a decisive step forward

On 6 June 2014, Justice Ministers from the Member States agreed on a general approach (an informal agreement) for measures that will guarantee special safeguards for children during criminal court proceedings. The European Commission put forward a directive in November 2013, aiming to establish specific protection for children, as they are particularly vulnerable during court proceedings. Today's agreement coincides with the publication, by the Commission, of a study on children's involvement in criminal judicial proceedings in all EU Member States.

Judicial systems in Europe are still not adapted to the vulnerabilities and specific needs of children. Every year in the EU, roughly 1.086.000 children face criminal justice proceedings, representing 12% of the total European population facing criminal justice.

European Commission: DG Justice: Fundamental Rights: Rights of the Child: Child-friendly justice http://ec.europa.eu/justice/fundamental-rights/rights-child/friendly-justice/index_en.htm

ESO: Background information: Proposal for a Directive Of The European Parliament And Of The Council on procedural safeguards for children suspected or accused in criminal proceedings http://www.europeansources.info/record/proposal-for-a-directive-of-the-european-parliament-and-of-the-council-on-procedural-safeguards-for-children-suspected-or-accused-in-criminal-proceedings/

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