Digital Justice Malta

“Child trafficking remains a profound violation of children's rights, threatening their safety, dignity, and future. Poverty acts as a root cause, exposing children to exploitation and increasing their vulnerability.”

Dr. Juliana Scerri Ferrante, United Nations Committee on the Rights of the Child and Focal Point for European Region

“Protecting children is a shared responsibility which demands our sustained efforts. The best interest of the child is an overarching principle — one that we must transform into a fully-fledged binding norm of international law.”

Dr Chris Soler, State Advocate

“The principle of the child’s best interests extends beyond questions of legal representation in judicial proceedings, it stands as a guiding compass, ensuring that domestic authorities conduct a thorough and holistic assessment of all relevant factual, emotional, psychological, medical, and material considerations before reaching their decisions.”

Mr Mattias Guyomar, President of the European Court of Human Rights

“It is an honour to be invited to this important session here in Malta . Our future society depends on the conversations we are having today. I commend the Maltese Government for convening such a vital discussion.

In my contribution, I spoke about fairness and the many dimensions of placing children at the centre of the justice system, ensuring that our reforms truly reflect their needs and uphold their rights.

I am thrilled and eager to see how developments here in Malta unfold, this initiative has the potential to be world-leading in the innovations being shared today.”

Prof. Jennifer Davidson, OBE, University of Strathclyde

"When assessing the best interests of the child, consideration should be given to the circumstances of the case and all factors relevant to securing the rights of the child and meeting his or her needs."

Mr Seamus Carroll, First Chairperson of the Committee of Experts on the rights and the best interests of the child in parental separation and in care proceedings, Council of Europe