Official Presentation of the 5th World Congress on JWC

Spain’s Minister of Youth and Childhood Receives the Symbolic Handover of World Congress Hosting Duties from the Mexican Embassy During the Official Presentation of the 5th World Congress on JWC 

On 23, October, 2024 the GI JWC celebrated the official handover from Mexico, host of the last World Congress on Justice With Children, to Spain, the host and venue of the upcoming edition. 

The event took place at the Universidad Pontificia Comillas, national co-organiser of the world congress, and brought together key leaders in child justice and children's rights. 

The ceremony opened with welcome remarks from Fr. Antonio Allende Felgueroso, Rector of the Pontifical Comillas University, followed by Min. Sira Abed Rego, Ministerio de Juventud e Infancia Spain, and Mr. Everardo Corona, Minister for Legal Affairs at the Embassy of Mexico in Spain. 

“We reaffirm our unwavering commitment to transforming justice systems, eradicating violence, and safeguarding a childhood of dignity and hope for every child.” — Min. Abed 

Moderated by Cédric Foussard, Coordinator of GI Justice With Children, the discussion highlighted the contributions of Marta Gil, Deputy Director of Justice Programs at Terre des hommes foundation, Jérôme Mangelinckx, Global Policy Manager at Penal Reform International, Cristina Junquera Abaitua, Responsable de Incidencia Política y Estudios en UNICEF Spain, Carles López Picó President of Plataforma de Infancia (España), and María Antonia Jiménez, President of Fundación Tierra de hombres. 

Their insights set the stage for the next World Congress, focusing on actions for achieving child centred justice for all children and preventing and responding to violence affecting children in justice systems. The next world congress will focus on "Advancing Child-centred Justice: Preventing and responding to Violence Affecting Children in the Child Justice Systems". 

A special highlight was the virtual participation of Ana, a representative of the JWC's Children and Youth Advisory Committee, whose inspiring words energized the audience. Her message underscored the importance of creating safe spaces where children and adolescents can have a meaningful voice in justice matters. 

The event concluded with a symbolic handover from Mexico to Spain. Mr. Everardo Corona introduced a video message from Ms. Tania Jiménez Romano, Director of the National Protection Program for Children and Adolescents (PRONAPINNA), and then symbolically handled the Global Declaration of the previous World Congress to Ms. Sira Abed, marking the beginning of a new chapter as Spain prepares to host the next World Congress. 

We are enthusiastic for what lies ahead and look forward to working together towards a justice system that truly put children at the center.