Children – access to justice and remedy

The Committee takes note of the State Party’s decision to strengthen children´s opportunities to make complaints and appeal decisions in matters concerning them as well as to improve information to children about their right to appeal. In the light of the fact that the Ombudsperson for Children and the National Human Rights Institution are not mandated to receive individual complaints and that the Storting has instructed the Government to strengthen the national complaints mechanism, the Committee recommends that the State Party ensure that all children have access to: (i) child-friendly and independent complaint mechanisms in all areas of law, and in schools, foster care systems, alternative care settings and detention for reporting all forms of violence, abuse, discrimination and other violations of their rights; (ii) strengthened legal capacity also by recognising the right to independent representation and available resources for legal aid initiatives, including in education, health and care services; and (iii) age-appropriate information on access to counselling and remedies, including compensation and rehabilitation.

The Committee recommends that the State Party raise awareness among children of their right to file a complaint under existing mechanisms;

The Committee recommends that the State Party ensure systematic and mandatory training for all relevant professionals working with children on child-friendly procedures and remedies, children’s rights and the Convention.