FRA Launch Animation Film's on Children's Rights in Judicial Proceedings

Today, on 21 October 2015, the EU Agency for Fundamental Rights (FRA) has launched a series of animation films about rights that children should enjoy when being involved in judicial proceedings.

The films cover: a child’s right to be heard, their right to protection and legal representation, and their right to be informed about what is going on.

The films follow up on the report entitled Child-friendly justice – Perspectives and experiences of professionals on children’s participation in civil and criminal judicial proceedings in 10 EU Member States, published by the FRA on 5 May 2015. As UK contractor , HRLC conducted qualitative research with approximately 80 legal and social professionals across the United Kingdom to determine their views of the participation of children in the justice proceedings.

On evaluating the qualitative data the FRA identified that many children were not aware of their rights during judicial proceedings. The release of these films aims at contributing to the necessary awareness raising for children and can be used by professionals, such as social workers and lawyers, when working with children.