Access to justice

Children should be able to seek justice for rights violations just like any other citizen. This includes bringing cases in court by themselves and in their own names without imposing age-based limitations, such as requiring parental consent before pursuing legal action. When a person is acting on behalf of a child, for example in countries where children lack legal standing, the representative must act on the child’s views and in the child's best interests.

Legal procedures should be child-friendly and adapted to a child’s level of understanding to facilitate children's participation in all aspects of judicial proceedings. States must also ensure the privacy of children who give evidence in legal proceedings.

Time limitations on bringing complaints should not be unduly restrictive and should not begin running until children have reached adulthood.  

Read more on page 9 of our discussion paper Age is Arbitrary: Discussion paper on setting minimum ages.

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