MOU Signed Between the Child Friendly Justice European Network and Leiden Law School - Child Law Department
The Child Friendly Justice European Network (CFJ-EN) and the Leiden Law School’s Department of Child Law are pleased to announce the signing of a significant Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at advancing child-friendly justice across Europe. This MoU, signed on 9 April 2024 in Leiden, marks the beginning of a strategic collaboration that promises to bolster efforts in promoting and protecting the rights of children within the justice system. The MoU will be in effect for five years from the date of signature, ensuring a long-term commitment to this cause.
The MoU was signed on the occasion of a side event, namely an academic seminar with the Child Friendly Justice European Network (CFJ-EN) focused on ‘Bridging the Gap - Exploring Academia's Role in Collaborative Advancements of Child-Friendly Justice in Europe.’ This event was part of the Symposium 10 years of OPIC - Pathways of Access to Justice for Children.
Purpose and Areas of Collaboration
The primary goal of the MoU is to establish effective collaborative linkages between CFJ-EN and DCL-LLS, enhancing efforts in children’s rights and child-friendly justice. The collaboration will focus on several key areas. These include facilitating joint academic seminars and workshops to discuss pertinent research topics and explore potential joint research initiatives, sharing relevant information on courses, training events, and inviting each other to relevant meetings and conferences. Additionally, the parties will develop joint educational materials and resources to support both parties' educational initiatives, collaborate on research projects and publications that contribute to the field of child-friendly justice, and participate in each other’s educational programs and capacity-building events to enhance the skills and knowledge of their members. Furthermore, the collaboration will support each other’s advocacy efforts by sharing information on relevant events and initiatives, and promoting joint advocacy activities and campaigns through various platforms to raise awareness about child-friendly justice.
Looking Forward
This MoU represents a significant step towards strengthening the framework for child-friendly justice in Europe. Both CFJ-EN and the Department of Child Law of Leiden Law School are committed to leveraging their expertise and resources to create a more inclusive and effective justice system for children. By working together, the parties aim to ensure that the rights of children are upheld and that justice systems are equipped to meet their specific needs and vulnerabilities.
For more information: https://www.cfjnetwork.eu/