Study Titled "Child-Friendly Justice in Liechtenstein" Presented
Article 12 of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child guarantees every child the right to be heard and to participate in all legal proceedings affecting them. The UN Committee on the Rights of the Child has repeatedly noted that this right is inadequately implemented in practice in many States Parties and calls for concrete measures to structurally embed child-friendly forms of participation in the judicial system.
The study examines the extent to which current Liechtenstein national law already meets the requirements for a child-friendly justice system and the extent to which children’s rights to participation are—or are not—addressed from a child rights perspective. It also examined how children are involved in and heard regarding proceedings that concern them personally.
The study identifies six key recommendations for Liechtenstein:
- Introduce independent legal representation for children
- Inform, prepare, and support children throughout the proceedings
- Standardize hearing practices and make them child-friendly
- Formalize cooperation between agencies
- Create the necessary structural conditions
- Provide continuing education for professionals
The next step is to publicize the study’s findings and discuss them with the relevant agencies. Among other things, a pilot project with the State Bar Association is planned.
The study is available on our website at: Report on Child-Friendly Justice
