The child in the spotlight: advocating for a child-friendly and restorative justice in Greece

The impactful advocacy event dedicated to promoting child-friendly and restorative justice in Greece. This event will bring together decision-makers, legal experts, and CSOs to address key challenges and highlight approaches that emphasize fairness and empowerment. Through insightful discussions we aim to empower attendees to advocate for access to justice for every child and to motivate policymakers to prioritize the unique needs and rights of children within the Greek justice system.  

Objectives:

1.    Raise Awareness: 
o Highlight the importance of child-friendly and restorative justice in creating equitable outcomes for children in conflict with the law. 
o Educate stakeholders such as the Ministry of Justice, the Juvenile Probation Services as well as the judicial officials on the challenges children face within traditional justice system in Greece. 

2.    Promote Best Practices:   
o Share effective models and approaches to child-friendly and restorative justice, including community-based interventions and alternative dispute resolution methods. 
o Showcase successful case studies and policy frameworks that prioritize children’s well-being. 

3.    Foster Collaboration: 
o Bring together diverse stakeholders from Athens, Thessaloniki and other parts of Greece, including policymakers, legal experts, educators, lawyers, juvenile probation officers, judges and prosecutors to exchange ideas and build partnerships. Emphasis will be given to invited stakeholders from remote areas of the country. 
o Create a network of advocates to sustain momentum for reforms. 

4.    Encourage Policy Change: 
o Advocate for legal and systemic reforms that integrate restorative justice principles and child-friendly procedures within the Greek juvenile justice system. 
o Promote accountability mechanisms to ensure these practices are implemented effectively. 

 Expected Outcomes :

1.    Increased Advocacy: 
o Greater public and stakeholder support for child-centered and restorative approaches in justice systems.

 2.    Stronger Networks: 
o Formation of a collaborative network from different cities and areas committed to advancing child justice reforms throughout the country 

3.    Capacity Building: 
o Enhanced knowledge among Greek stakeholders about implementing restorative and child-friendly practices. 

4.    Improved Perceptions: 
o A shift in societal attitudes toward seeing children in conflict with the law as individuals in need of guidance and rehabilitation, rather than punishment.