Introduction to the IJJO

The International Juvenile Justice Observatory (IJJO) is a Belgian Foundation of Public Interest. Since 2002, the IJJO has worked to promote the rights of children and young people who come into contact with justice systems and to encourage the implementation of the international standards which guarantee these rights.

The IJJO is an open and collaborative space for research, exchange and dissemination of shared knowledge aimed at the improvement of juvenile justice systems and policies. Furthermore, it seeks to promote the strengthening of professionals’ and students’ competencies in this field, the exchange of good practices, innovation, and the raising of social awareness.

The focus of the Observatory’s work centres on the issues faced by children and young people who come into contact with the law. Its approach blends interdisciplinarity, plurality, and sensitivity to the distinct realities and cultures, with the ultimate goal of contributing to the protection of their rights, and improving their lives.

To this end, the IJJO works primarily in training, research, awareness-raising, consultancy, dissemination of specialised resources and news in the field, and recognition of professionals and organisations involved in the area of Juvenile Justice.