PRESS RELEASE BY THE MINISTRY FOR JUSTICE AND REFORM OF THE CONSTRUCTION SECTOR Minister Attard hosts conference calling for action in favour of safeguarding, promoting and protecting the best interest of the child

The Minister for Justice and Reform of the Construction Sector,  Jonathan Attard, welcomed delegates from across the Council of Europe member states to Malta “Safeguarding the Best Interest of the Child: Justice, Protection and Inclusion."

This conference, organised in collaboration between the Ministry for Justice and Reform of the Construction Sector and the Council of Europe, under the auspices of the Maltese Presidency of the Council of Europe, marks the end of a week of high-level discussions where the digitalisation of our justice system and the best interest of the child were the key focus.

In his opening address, Minister Attard reaffirmed Malta's long-standing commitment to ensuring that justice is accessible, effective, and efficient for all, especially when children are involved. He emphasised that the Government's ongoing reforms within the justice sector are aimed at upholding and promoting the best interests of the child.

“As Minister for Justice, I understand profoundly that the legal system must not only serve justice but must do so in a manner that is child-sensitive, inclusive, and protective. In this spirit, Malta is undergoing a comprehensive reform of its Family Court system, marking the most significant transformation in over two decades," said Minister Attard.

These meetings brought together representatives from 46 different member states, the Council of Europe, the Office of the State Advocate, and the Court Services Agency, uniting key actors who play a fundamental role in ensuring that our justice systems remain effective, efficient, and responsive to societal needs.

Discussions focused improving procedural efficiency, and strengthening justice systems for younger generations, ensuring that they are accessible to the children and families whom society has a duty to protect.

In his address, Mattias Guyomar, President of the European Court of Human Rights, commended Malta's active role in strengthening child friendly justice, whereby all factors – legal, psychological, and emotional repercussions, are taken into account.

Commending Malta's progress in ensuring that resources are present to protect the best interest of the Child in legal proceedings, President Guyomar noted that “the principle of the child's best interest extends beyond question of legal representation in judicial proceedings, it stands as a guiding compass, ensuring that domestic authorities conduct a thorough and holistic assessment of all relevant factual, emotional and psychological, medical, and material considerations before reaching their decisions."

The conference was addressed by a number of keynote speakers including Professor Jennifer Davidson, Mr Seamus Carroll, Madame Justice Lorraine Schembri Orland, Dr Juliana Scerri Ferrante and State Advocate Dr Chris Soler. The event also featured an address by Marie-Louise Coleiro Preca, Former President of Malta and Special Adviser to the European Commission.

Furthermore, several panellists took part in the three panels with different themes namely, “Child-Friendly Justice – Legal Frameworks and Practice", “Implementing Child-Friendly Justice and The Challenges Encountered" and “Child Poverty and The Involvement of Children In Trafficking".

Malta's hosting of these meetings sheds a light on the country's growing leadership in multilateral organisations and its continued commitment to advancing justice systems that are efficient, fair, and centred on the needs of people, prioritising the protection of those most vulnerable, particularly children.

Minister Attard extended sincere appreciation to Ambassador Francesca Camilleri Vettiger, Malta's Permanent Representative to the Council of Europe, and her dedicated team for their outstanding work throughout the presidency. He also expressed gratitude to Johan Galea, Permanent Secretary at the Ministry for Justice, and his team for their tireless efforts in planning, coordination, and support.