Child-friendly justice: how it works in Latvia

How can we ensure effective protection for women and children affected by war? Ukrainian judges sought to answer this question during a study visit to the Republic of Latvia, which took place from 20 to 24 April 2026.

The trip was organised as part of the international project ‘Ukraine: Strengthening Capacity and Supporting Women and Children Affected by War’, implemented with the support of the MARTA Centre and the active participation of the National School of Judges of Ukraine. Judges and lecturers from the National School of Judges of Ukraine took part in the visit.

The main objective was to study Latvia’s practical experience in the field of preventing gender-based violence and supporting victims, as well as to enhance the professional competence of Ukrainian specialists.

The programme of the visit was intensive and practice-oriented. The participants met with representatives of the MARTA Centre, as well as with specialists from crisis services, in particular, Skalbes. Separately, they familiarised themselves with Latvia’s state policy on gender equality and the implementation of the ‘Women, Peace and Security’ approach.

The Ukrainian judges also visited the Latvian Ministry of Justice and the Latvian State Probation Service, where they learnt about the functioning of the justice system and support mechanisms for victims.

Innovative approaches to working with children were of particular interest. The participants familiarised themselves with the activities of the Bērna māja and Dardedze centres, which operate on the principle of ‘child-friendly justice’.

An important part of the visit was a meeting with Artjoms Uršulskis, Parliamentary Secretary of the Latvian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The Latvian side reaffirmed its support for Ukraine, in particular its participation in the establishment of a Special Tribunal on the crime of aggression against Ukraine and its readiness to contribute to strengthening the rule of law.

Following the visit, the Ukrainian participants noted its high practical value. The experience gained will contribute to the implementation of international human rights standards, the development of a sensitive approach to cases of gender-based violence, and the improvement of training programmes for judges in line with European practices.

This visit is another step towards building a justice system that meets the contemporary challenges and needs of society, particularly in the context of war.