Conference on child-friendly justice in Monaco

16 June 2026 (Monaco, Courthouse, Court of Appeal)

Grégoire GAMERDINGER, Partner of 99 AVOCATS ASSOCIÉS, took part in the Conference on child-friendly justice, organised by the Monegasque Institute for Training in the Legal Professions (Institut Monégasque de Formation aux Professions Judiciaires "IMFPJ").

As part of the round table discussion on "The child as a party to the proceedings", Grégoire GAMERDINGER spoke in his capacity as a criminal lawyer to offer his practical analysis of the child’s role in the trial, the procedural safeguards afforded to them, and the issues surrounding their hearing and protection during legal proceedings.

This conference forms part of the official programme of Monaco Presidency of the Council of Europe (May–November 2026), which places the protection of children, and in particular the promotion of child-friendly justice, among its priorities.

Participants (judges, lawyers, academics, institutional officials and representatives of the Council of Europe) discussed the fundamental principles of a justice system that respects the rights and best interests of the child.

The discussions also covered the Guidelines of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe on child friendly justice, the New York Convention of 20 November 1989 on the Rights of the Child, developments in the case law of the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) concerning children’s rights, legislative developments in the Principality, and the professional practices of those involved in child protection.

The presence of Ms Tanja GERWIEN, Co-Secretary of the Council of Europe Steering Committee on the Rights of the Child (CDENF), enriched the discussions by providing a European perspective on applicable standards and best practices in the field of child protection.

This Conference provided a key opportunity for reflection and the sharing of experiences around a common objective: to guarantee every child effective access to justice tailored to their age, maturity and specific circumstances, whilst respecting their fundamental rights.

View the conference programme (in French) via the following link https://www.imfpj.mc/medias_upload/moxie/pdf/IMFPJ_CONFERENCE_16JUIN-site.pdf

Photo (from left to right): Mr Yves STRICKLER, Scientific Director of the IMFPJ; Me Raphaëlle SVARA, Lawyer at the Monaco Bar; Ms Christine PASQUIER-CIULLA, Chair of the Legislation Committee of the National Council of Monaco; Me Grégoire GAMERDINGER, Lawyer at the Monaco Bar.