From 02-04 June, 2025 in Madrid, is organised the Fifth World Congress on Justice With Children. Barbara Hintermann, General Director at Terre des hommes, participates to the World Congress Presentation, sharing essentials about Child-Centred Justice.
"Children might have access to screens but not necessarily access to justice. We must stop speaking about children and start speaking with them."
Meaningful quotes are mentioned by Anisa, a youth representative from Albania, that shared that "Reparation is not just a cheque or an apology. It's restoring trust, dignity, and emotional safety. She is one of the inspiring youth members of Tdh Child Advisory Board. Her participation brought a vital youth perspective in two international panels: "Children’s rights in the digital age" and "Justice for children affected by crimes against humanity". On the panel about children’s rights in the digital age, Anisa pointed out a powerful truth: “Children might have access to screens but not necessarily access to justice.” These words highlight a gap between children’s online presence and their actual legal protection.
On the other panel about justice for children affected by crimes against humanity, she shared her perspective on what real reparation means. She emphasizes that supporting child survivors means rebuilding trust, dignity, and safety in their lives. Her words reminded us why it’s so important to include young voices. This powerful call highlights how important it is to listen to youth directly. Anisa’s passion and strength on those international panels inspire all of us.
The inspiring speech of Anisa and all the youth who are raising their voices on the world stage is very important to keep pushing for Justice With Children and ensure every young person is heard and respected!
The fifth World Congress on Justice with Children is an unique platform for exchanging challenges and best practices from around the globe. During the session dedicated to Albania, “Towards a Child-Centred Justice: Albanian Challenges and Best Practices”, Terre des hommes had the opportunity to share insights on the challenges of implementing diversion measures, with a particular focus on restorative justice for children in conflict with the law. Our representative emphasized that although Albania’s legal framework is aligned with international standards, the actual implementation of restorative justice remains nearly absent. The justice system often opts for fast and simple solutions, overlooking deeper, more meaningful responses that support healing and reintegration. The lack of interdisciplinary cooperation and limited involvement of social services continue to be major barriers.
Terre des hommes Albania, also presented its intervention in supporting the reintegration of children returned from conflict zones, a critical initiative that bridges child protection, justice, and psychosocial support and creates a unique approach of implementation of child-centred interventions. The Director of the Probation Service highlighted Albania’s reintegrative approach to children in conflict with the law and stressed the importance of collaboration with Terre des hommes to implement appropriate and effective reintegration models.
The Congress concludes, but our commitment to building a justice system that places children at the center continues every day.
The participation of Terre des hommes Albania representatives are supported by two key projects “Youth Voice for Justice and Rights”, funded by the Austrian Development Agency and “Prevention and Safe Reintegration: Holistic Approach and Resilience to Violent Extremism” project funded by Global Community Engagement and Resilience Fund.