2021 World Congress on Justice With Children - Concept Note

Co-organised by the federal Mexican Supreme Court of Justice, the 2021 World Congress expects thousands of experts and child delegates to participate from all across the world. Over five days, academics, policy makers, judges and magistrates, and civil society representatives will participate in and contribute to global and regional plenary sessions and action-oriented workshops consisting of panel discussions, certified trainings, and policy-oriented working group meetings. 

The 2021 World Congress will focus on exchanging practice-oriented strategies to: 

• Reduce discrimination that undermines access to – and the quality of – justice systems; and
• Ensure that all children are guaranteed equal treatment in the eyes of the law. 

It will share promising practices from diverse contexts and settings that tackle discrimination, prevent situations that lead children and youth to commit offences, and reduce child and youth contact with the justice system. It will showcase examples of effective responses to prevent recidivism through programmes focused on restorative justice, rehabilitation, and reintegration.

 The 2021 World Congress will offer a dedicated space for policy makers and justice system stakeholders, academics, civil society and UN representatives, children and youth and other experts and practitioners to explore these challenging issues and to enhance our knowledge of – and commitment to the creation of – fair and appropriate child justice systems globally. It will provide technical expertise to support the operational implementation of international laws and standards related to the rights of children and youth in conflict with the law.