Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights calls on Italy not to weaken the protection of children’s rights in the justice

The Commissioner Nils Muižnieks expresses concerns about the bill on the efficiency of civil judicial proceedings. The planned transfer of juvenile justice competencies from specialised to ordinary courts and prosecution services might weaken the protection of the rights of children who come into contact with judicial authorities.

The Commissioner underscores that merging specialised services within the ordinary justice system may reduce Italy's ability to fulfill its obligation to take into account the child's best interests in the justice system and would therefore be a step in the wrong direction.

Full text of the Commissioner's letter to the President of the Italian Senate.