European Union Conference "Ending Violence against Children in Juvenile Justice Systems" 1-3 October, Brussels

15 Aug 2008

The aim of DCI conference – Ending Violence Against Children in Juvenile Justice Systems: From Words to Action – is to address the Study’s recommendations for ending violence against children in institutions and more specifically, in juvenile justice systems. While the UN Study found violence to be rife across all five social settings, the violence experienced by children in care and justice systems is particularly challenging as it remains hidden from the public eye and affects some of the most disadvantaged groups of children in society.

Institutionalised children, (including those in orphanages, prisons, juvenile detention facilities, reform schools) are often subjected to violence from staff and officials responsible for their well being, as well as from other prisoners in the case of police stations and detention centres for example. This violence can take the form of isolation, torture, beatings, harassment, rape, and humiliation. Moreover, the negative stigmatisation of these children fuels public apathy about violations of their rights, resulting in impunity for the perpetrators and public silence around the problem.

The UN Study has been crucial in drawing attention to these issues and making recommendations, but there remains an urgent need for concrete follow-up response and action. The objectives of the conference are thus to raise awareness, share best practices and build the capacities of NGOs to lobby their governments to act. This conference is structured with plenary sessions followed by thematic workshops and practical training to mobilise civil society in pushing for less words and more action in ending violence against children.

General Information, Programme and Registration Form can be find here