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	Child-friendly justice: the child’s perspective by Fundamental Rights Agency European Union   Children involved in court proceedings often feel scared, ignored, and ill-informed, as a new report from the European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights (FRA) shows. By asking children across different EU Member States about their experiences and views, this ground-breaking report shows how far we still have to go to make our justice systems child-friendly.   “We are putting children who have already experienced or witnessed distressing things into an unecessarily stressful situation. Both policymakers and practitioners have to ensure that the anxieties of children involved in court proceedings are taken seriously and kept to a minimum,” says FRA Director Michael O’Flaherty.   “This report gives clear guidance on means by which Member States can ensure that children’s voices are really heard, and at the same time that they feel safe and protected.”   Some 2.5 million children across the EU are involved each year as victims, witnesses or parties to judicial proceedings. These can be custodial battles in divorce proceedings or cases of sexual abuse or exploitation.   The report ‘Child-friendly justice: Perspectives and experiences of children involved in judicial proceedings’ is based on interviews with 392 children. It both identifies the barriers children face and possible solutions, as well as a number of promising practices already in use in EU Member States.   Children underlined the importance of their right to be heard with understanding and respect. This points to the need for clear and practical guidelines, as well as training for all professionals who come into contact with children. The children also want to be kept informed throughout the often lengthy proceedings about developments in the case and about their own rights. This demonstrates the necessity of providing age-appropriate information before, during and after trial.   It was clear from the interviews that many situations cause children to feel uncertain and unsafe. Here it is vital to ensure that Member States have procedural safeguards in place that cater to the needs of children, in extreme cases such as those concerning domestic violence or sexual abuse but also in the many custody cases around the EU. These safeguards can include child-friendly hearing locations, video links or pre-recorded evidence, as well as protecting children’s personal data from the media and public.   The findings are based on interviews with children in 9 Member States: Bulgaria, Croatia, Estonia, France, Germany, Poland, Romania, Spain and the UK. It complements the Fundamental Rights Agency’s earlier report containing professionals’ perspectives on child-friendly justice. Visit the related web page
	Respect the sanctity of civilian life by UN News, BBC, AP, Al Jazeera, agencies   25 Nov. 2017   The death toll in a devastating terrorist attack on a mosque in Egypt''s North Sinai has risen to 305, including 27 children, with 128 more people were injured, according to the MENA state news agency.   The gunmen who carried out the attack were carrying (IS/Daesh) flags and were between 25 and 30 in number, the public prosecutor''s office said in a statement.   Witnesses described horrific scenes as the terrorists killed and maimed worshippers at the Al Rawdah Sufi mosque in Bir al-Abed. Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi has declared three days of mourning across Egypt. http://bit.ly/2zAwBr0   17 August 2017   UN chief Guterres condemns deadly terrorist attack in Barcelona. (UN News)   Condemning today''s terrorist attack on Barcelona, Secretary-General António Guterres said the United Nations stands in solidarity with the Government and people of Spain in the fight against terrorism and violent extremism.   “He extends his heartfelt condolences to the families and friends of those killed and to the Government and people of Spain,” according to a statement issued by UN Deputy Spokesman Farhan Haq.   The statement added that Mr. Guterres wishes a speedy recovery to those injured and hopes that those responsible for this heinous violence will be swiftly brought to justice.   According to media reports, a van ran into a crowd of pedestrians walking through Barcelona''s famed Las Ramblas area, killing at least 13 people and injuring over 100 others.   http://bit.ly/2wkNovj http://bit.ly/2vNSCxg   June 9, 2017   Suicide bomb kills at least 31 people in crowded Iraqi market. (Reuters)   A suicide bomber has killed at least 31 people and wounded over 35 others in a crowded market in the town of Musayab, 80 km (50 miles) south of Baghdad, on Friday, police said.   The terrorist group IS claimed responsibility for the attack, as well as an attack at the main bus station in Kerbala, just west of Musayab, which killed three people and wounded 15 others.   3 June 2017   Police in London say they have shot dead three men who killed at least seven people and injured over 40 others on Saturday night in and around London Bridge, in central London.   A van drove into pedestrians on London Bridge just after 10:00pm and continued to the nearby Borough Market, where three men got out and started stabbing people in bars and restaurants.   Police said the three perpetrators were shot dead within eight minutes of the start of the attack. More than 48 people were taken to hospital, the ambulance service said.   London''s Metropolitan Police declared the situation "terrorist incidents". London''s Mayor Sadiq Khan described it as a "deliberate and cowardly attack".   31 May 2017   UN condemns terrorist attack in Kabul, underscores need to protect civilians.   Hundreds of people – mostly civilians – were killed and injured when a suicide attacker detonated a vehicle-borne explosive device in downtown Kabul’s Wazir Akhbar Khan area, this morning (local time).   The attack resulted in more than 90 deaths and at least 350 injuries, news reports suggest the casualty numbers are expected to rise.   Condemning the terrorist attack in the Afghan capital, Kabul, United Nations officials, including the Secretary-General and his Special Representative for the country as well as UN member staes underscored that all parties to the conflict are obliged, under international law, to ensure that civilians are protected from any harm.   “Indiscriminate attacks against civilians are grave violations of human rights and international humanitarian law and can never be justified,” said UN Secretary-General António Guterres.   The UN chief also expressed his sympathies to the families of the victims, wished a speedy recovery to those injured, and reaffirmed the solidarity of the UN with the people and the Government of Afghanistan.   “Beyond the immeasurable human suffering caused by today’s attack, the deliberate detonation of a massive truck bomb in a civilian area, particularly during the peaceful month of Ramadan, is morally reprehensible and an outrage,” Tadamichi Yamamoto, the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Afghanistan, said, underscoring that the attack is a serious violation of humanitarian law”.   http://bit.ly/2skE9GY http://bit.ly/2rKXF28 http://bit.ly/2qH2OEi http://bit.ly/2qMFy75 http://www.icrc.org/en/document/protected-persons/civilians-protected-international-humanitarian-law http://www.un.org/sg/en/content/sg/statement/2017-05-25/secretary-generals-remarks-security-council-open-debate-protection   23 May 2017   Manchester: Children and teenagers targeted in sickening terror attack at teen pop concert.   At least 22 people have been killed and over 100 injured when a terrorist detonated a bomb as thousands of fans streamed out of a concert by US popstar Ariana Grande in the British city of Manchester.   Police said a number of children were among the dead and those injured were being treated in eight different hospitals.   Singer Ariana Grande had just finished performing at Manchester Arena to an audience that included thousands of teenagers and children when there was an explosion at the music venue, killing and injuring the young concert goers. http://www.bbc.com/news/uk-40014966   16 April 2017   Syria: At least 80 children among those killed in suicide attack on refugee convoy outside Aleppo.   At least 80 children were among the 126 killed in Saturday''s suicide bomb attack on an evacuation convoy in Syria, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights says. The attack took place on a convoy of civilians fleeing the besieged towns of al-Foua and Kfraya, outside Aleppo.   Syrian rescue workers said that they had taken away at least 100 bodies from the site of the blast, which hit buses carrying Shia residents as they waited to cross into government territory in an evacuation deal between the warring sides. Wounded survivors, including many children, were taken for treatment at an Aleppo hospital.   UN Emergency Relief Coordinator Stephen O’Brien said, "I am horrified that scores of people including many civilians have been killed by an explosion near their convoy during an evacuation from the besieged towns of Foah and Kefraya. My deepest sympathies go out to the families of those killed and those injured.   The perpetrators of such a monstrous and cowardly attack displayed a shameless disregard for human life. International humanitarian law is very clear: warring parties must protect civilians and distinguish between military and civilian targets.   Humanitarian organizations, including the Syrian Arab Red Crescent (SARC) and UN partners, are providing assistance to the injured, including transferral to hospitals.   I call on all parties to the conflict to uphold their obligations under international humanitarian and human rights law, and to facilitate safe and unimpeded access for the UN and its partners to bring life-saving help to those in need".   UNICEF Executive Director Anthony Lake underscored that the attack must renew everyone''s determination to reach all children throughout the war-ravaged country with support and relief.   “After six years of war and human carnage in Syria... six years of heartbreak for so many Syrian families... there comes a new horror that must break the heart of anyone who has one”.   “A convoy of families who for so long had already known so much suffering.. now the survivors must bear such a new and terrible loss,” he noted. http://bit.ly/2oEAAvs   9 April 2017   Suicide bombers have targeted two Coptic Christian churches in Egypt, killing at least 44 people and injuring over 100 people.   At least 27 people were killed and 78 injured in the first blast at a Coptic church in the Nile Delta town of Tanta, north of Cairo, Egypt''s Health Ministry said.   The second blast, in front of a Christian church in Alexandria on the country''s north coast, killed 17 and injured at least 48 others, the ministry added. The Islamic State terrorist group claimed responsibility for the attacks.   Pope Francis expressed his "deepest condolences" to all Egyptians during his Palm Sunday Mass. "I pray for the dead and the victims. May the Lord convert the hearts of people who sow terror, violence and death and even the hearts of those who produce and traffic in weapons," he said.   United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres condemned the bombings. Mr. Guterres, expressed sympathy and condolences to the families of the victims, and wished a speedy and full recovery to those who were injured.   8 April 2017   A truck has crashed into shoppers in central Stockholm, killing four people and injuring 15 others.   The attack sent frightened shoppers running for their lives as a stolen truck targted pedestrians before crashing into a department store shortly after 2:00pm on Friday.   "I turned around and saw a big truck coming towards me. It swerved from side to side. It didn''t look out of control, it was trying to hit people," said Glen Foran, a tourist. "It was terrible. It hit a pram with a kid in it."   Swedish police have arrested a man "on suspicion of terrorist crimes" in association with the attack. "The person in question has been arrested as the culprit.. in this case the driver," police spokesman Lars Bystrom said. "Then, there can be other people who are associated with him, but we do not know that at the current time."   "Sweden has been attacked. Everything points to the fact that this is a terrorist attack," Prime Minister Stefan Lofven told reporters.   "We are determined never to let the values that we treasure — democracy, human rights and freedom — be undermined by hatred."   "We are an open, democratic society and that is what we will remain. We want — and I am convinced the Swedish people also want — to live a normal life."   The United Nations condemned the attack. “The United Nations stands in solidarity with the people and Government of Sweden,” Stéphane Dujarric, Spokesman for the Secretary-General, told journalists in New York.   “Our sympathy goes to the families of the victims and all those affected and we wish the injured a prompt recovery,” Mr. Dujarric added.   Neutral Sweden has not been involved in any war for more than 200 years. It is a regular contributer to UN peacekeeping missions, and a strong humanitarian aid supporter.   3 April 2017   Russia: St. Petersburg metro hit by deadly blast. (DW)   At least 14 people have been killed and about 49 injured in an explosion in the subway of the Russian city of St. Petersburg. Security has been tightened, with authorities suspecting a "terror attack."   The blast in the St. Petersburg subway system was reported to have taken place in a train traveling between the stations of Sennaya Square and the Institute of Technology.   Interfax news agency quoted an unnamed source as saying the explosion was caused by a shrapnel-filled bomb.   Following the explosion, there were scenes of confusion, with traffic blocked on the busy thoroughfare of Moskovsky Prospect while emergency vehicles rushed to assist the victims. All stations on the subway system were closed following the blast.   United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres condemned today’s explosion on the metro in Russia’s second largest city of St. Petersburg. The UN chief expressed his deepest condolences to the families of the victims and to the Government as well as to people of Russia.   People continue to bring flowers and candles to the station near the site of the tragedy.   23 March 2017 (BBC)   At least 5 people have been killed and more than 50 injured in a terrorist attack outside the Houses of Parliament in London.   Witnesses say a large car ran down pedestrians on Westminster Bridge, before crashing into the railings surrounding the Parliament. A man who authorities suspect was the driver then walked into the parliamentary precinct and stabbed a police officer. The attacker was then shot dead by other policeman.   The attack started when a car was driven over Westminster Bridge, hitting and injuring a number of members of the public. London Ambulance Service say they have treated at least 10 patients on the bridge. A doctor who treated the wounded from the bridge said some had "catastrophic" injuries.   London Mayor Sadiq Khan said: "Today London suffered a horrific attack near Parliament Square which we are treating as a terrorist attack. A number of people have lost their lives and at least twenty people have been injured.   My heart goes out to those who have lost loved ones and to everyone who has been affected.   I want to express my gratitude on behalf of all Londoners to the police and emergency services who have shown tremendous bravery in exceptionally difficult circumstances.   London is the greatest city in the world and we stand together in the face of those who seek to harm us and destroy our way of life. We always have, and we always will".   16 Feb. 2017   An ISIL/Daesh suicide bomber has attacked a Shiite Sufi shrine in southern Pakistan, killing at least 75 people, with more than 200 injured in the attack. It is the deadliest attack in the country in more than two years.   The bomber entered the hall of the shrine of Lal Shahbaz Qalandar in Sehwan and detonated his explosives amid dozens of worshippers, according to security officials, who said at least 20 women and nine children were among the dead.   The ISIL/Daesh terror group claimed the attack in a statement saying it had targeted a "Shiite gathering".   Raja Somro, who witnessed the attack, told a local TV network that hundreds of people were in the hall when the bomber struck. "I saw bodies everywhere. I saw bodies of women and children," he said.   Al Jazeera''s Kamal Hyder, reporting from the capital Islamabad, said: "Hundreds are wounded and have been moved to local hospitals where the facilities aren''t in the best shape."   Sikandar Mandhro, Sindh''s health minister, told reporters: "There was a huge crowd gathered there for the [religious ceremony] at the shrine, and there was a very big explosion.   "The medical facilities at Sehwan are not equipped to deal with a very big emergency, so our first priority right now is to get help to the wounded." The closest hospital to the shrine is around 70km away.   In November, at least 52 people were killed in a suicide attack on a shrine to Sufi saint Shah Noorani in Balochistan province, in an attack claimed by IS/Daesh.   Thursday''s blast is the latest in a series of attacks across Pakistan since Monday, when 13 people were killed in a suicide bombing at a rally in the eastern city of Lahore. That attack was followed on Wednesday by a suicide bombing at a government office in the Mohmand tribal area and a suicide attack on government employees in Peshawar, killing six people. Two police officers were killed on Tuesday while trying to defuse a bomb in the Balochistan provincial capital of Quetta.   The attack is the deadliest in Pakistan since December 16, 2014, when extremist militants attacjked a school in Peshawar, killing 154 people, mostly schoolchildren. http://bit.ly/2m0FUoL   16 Feb. 2017   ISIL Terror Group targets Shiite Muslims in Baghdad   A car bomb in Baghdad has killed at least 55 people and wounded nearly 60 others, Iraq''s Interior Ministry says. The attack took place in the south-western al-Bayaa neighbourhood. Iraqi officials said the bomb targeted car dealerships in the mostly Shia neighbourhood.   The site of the bombing was an open space used as a second-hand car market where hundreds of private sellers park their vehicles and wait all day to discuss prices with prospective buyers.   The IS/Daesh terrorist group claimed the bombing in a statement. The group said it was directly targeting Shiite Muslims.   The terrorist group has carried out near-daily attacks in Baghdad. It''s the third car bomb attack this week, and the second to target al-Bayaa. Another four attacks in and around Baghdad on Thursday killed eight people and wounded around 30, police and medical officials said.   Jan Kubis, the UN''s top envoy in Iraq, said: "Yet again, the terrorists are continuing with their carnage against innocent civilians. This is totally unacceptable."   16 February 2017   Yemen: Senior UN aid official ‘appalled’ by airstrikes that kill women and children   The top United Nations humanitarian official in Yemen today said he was extremely saddened and appalled by the airstrikes that killed six women and a girl gathering for a funeral in a private residence in the Arhab District of Sana’a Governorate yesterday.   “The manner in which the parties to the conflict are waging this war is taking an unacceptable toll on the civilian population in Yemen and as illustrated by this most recent tragedy, women and children are paying with their lives,” said UN Humanitarian Coordinator Jamie McGoldrick in a statement.   The statement, issued by the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), said that health authorities confirm six women and a girl killed, as well as at least 15 other women injured, some gravely. Unfortunately, the number of dead could rise as the critically injured struggle to survive.   “I am alarmed to see this tragic loss of life further escalate the fighting, with reports of a retaliatory ballistic missile strike into Saudi Arabia’s Asir region,” he said.   This incident comes at a time of severe hardship and suffering in Yemen where imposed import restrictions are causing food scarcity and price hikes resulting in worsening food insecurity and malnutrition across the country. The economic decline caused by the conflict is leading to the collapse of basic service provision.   “The people of Yemen have suffered long enough. Peace is the only solution to help end the suffering in Yemen,” he said, calling on all the parties to return to the negotiation table.   In a separate statement on the incident, UN Special Envoy for Yemen, Ismail Ould Cheikh Ahmed, stressed that every day, across Yemen, civilians are killed by indiscriminate attacks by all parties to the conflict on residential areas in complete disregard of the rules of international humanitarian law.   “Attacks on civilians are unjustifiable, regardless of the circumstances. Women and children in particular have been subjected to unspeakable suffering in this brutal conflict. This should stop immediately,” he said, calling an all parties to adhere to their obligations under international humanitarian law and respect the sanctity of civilian life.   http://www.un.org/counterterrorism/ctitf/en/news http://ihl-databases.icrc.org/customary-ihl/eng/docs/v1_cha http://bit.ly/2kwfS0p http://bit.ly/2qHDUs8 Visit the related web page
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