Story of Dolevar (name changed) voiced during the World Congress on Justice with Children

Dolevar (name changed), a young boy who was in conflict with the law, had a chance to tell his story at the World Congress on Justice with Children (15-20 November 2021). Being a university student now, Dolevar is doing his best to lead a normal life and get reintegrated into the community with the support of social workers, UNICEF, and the European Union in Tajikistan

“I want to speak out for children in conflict with the law. They all deserve a second chance, nobody is born a criminal, and being locked up and away from your parents and friends is really, really tough. There must be other ways to deal with this."

The World Congress on Justice with Children “Ensuring access to justice for all children: towards non-discriminatory and inclusive child justice systems” gathers children alongside policymakers, legal practitioners, academics, and civil society representatives with relevant work experience to influence Child Justice, explore best practices, foster scientific cooperation, and raise voices of children in contact with law to deliver awareness on child-friendly justice.

Reintegration support to Dolevar is being provided through joint UNICEF & European Union project “Protecting Children Affected by Migration in Southeast, South and Central Asia.”