Across the world, girls and young women continue to face unique and often invisible challenges when they come into contact with justice systems. While international law and standards affirm their right to be treated with dignity, fairness and equality, the lived reality often tells a different story. In many contexts, girls are criminalized for behaviours that would not be considered crimes if committed by adults, such as running away, being disobedient or violating morality-based laws. Once within the justice system, they are at heightened risk of violence, discrimination and neglect, with very few programs tailored to their specific needs or designed to support their reintegration.
Understanding this reality requires asking critical questions. One central concern is whether governments are collecting and publishing reliable data on the number of girls in detention or in conflict with the law, or whether they remain statistically invisible. Another is whether national laws explicitly take into account the gendered realities of children, for example by ensuring that sentencing, diversion or protection measures are adapted to the needs of girls. Beyond the law, it is essential to ask whether justice institutions such as police, courts and detention centres apply gender-sensitive rules and training, or whether girls continue to face bias and unsafe conditions. Evidence from many contexts shows that violence, harassment and discriminatory treatment are common risks for girls deprived of liberty. Equally urgent is the question of what happens after their release. Do reintegration programs exist that genuinely support their education, livelihoods and well-being, or are girls left without pathways to rebuild their lives?
These questions point to the persistent gap between commitments made at the international level and the realities experienced by girls on the ground. By examining them across countries as diverse as Belgium, Benin, Cameroon, Canada, Colombia, France, Germany, the Netherlands, New Zealand, South Africa, Switzerland, Turkey, the United Arab Emirates and the United Kingdom, this document seeks to highlight patterns, expose shortcomings and inspire reforms that make justice systems more responsive to girls.
It is precisely in this spirit that the International Centre for Justice Alliances was created during the Fifth World Congress on Justice with Children, a process that engaged more than six thousand people worldwide. The Congress highlighted the urgent need to move beyond dialogue and to build enduring alliances that amplify a shared political message while supporting actors at the local level. Inspired by this vision, the Centre has taken up the challenge of addressing pressing issues where justice systems fall short. The situation of girls and young women is one such issue, where coordinated expertise and collective advocacy are essential.
With the pro bono support of Baker McKenzie, Access to Justice for Girls and Young Women offers an initial mapping of practices and gaps. By shedding light on how different jurisdictions are treating girls in conflict with the law, the report aims to advance global conversations and strengthen local actions towards truly child-centred and gender-sensitive justice.
This document is not intended as a final report but rather as a living resource. It was developed through the voluntary engagement of colleagues from L’Oréal, working alongside Baker McKenzie during a collaborative sprint session. The research presented here represents a first step towards building stronger, data-based knowledge on the situation of girls and young women in justice systems. By initiating this process, the International Centre for Justice Alliances hopes to encourage further contributions, deepen the evidence base and strengthen collective efforts towards child-centred and gender-sensitive justice.
