10 years of OPIC – Pathways of Access to Justice for Children

10th Anniversary Symposium on the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child on a Communications Procedure

The Leiden Children’s Rights Observatory, together with the Leiden Law Academy in partnership with the Petitions Section of the Office for the High Commissioner for the Human Rights and UNICEF, will host the symposium to commemorate the 10th anniversary of the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child on a Communications Procedure (OPIC).

As we commemorate a decade of the OPIC, this symposium provides a unique opportunity for academics, professionals, government officials, and non-governmental stakeholders and young people to come together, share their knowledge and experiences, and chart a path forward toward the improved access to justice for children through the OPIC, and more states ratifying OPIC. Engaging in critical discourse and collaborative efforts can further advance the protection and promotion of children’s rights worldwide.

Conference speakers

• Professor Dr. Ton Liefaard, Leiden University
• Professor Dr. Ann Skelton, Leiden University and Chairperson of the UN Committee on the Rights of the Child
• Professor Bruce Adamson, University of Glasgow
• Professor Helen Duffy, Leiden University
• Professor Jasper Krommendijk , Raboud University
• Professor Julia Sloth-Nielsen, University of Huddersfield
• Ms Karabo Ozah, Center for Child Law, University of Pretoria
• Dr Meda Couzens, Lecturer, School of Law, Western Sydney University
• Dr Nicolas Espejo Yaksic, Supreme Court of Mexico
• Professor Ursula Kilkelly, University College Cork
• Mr Benoit Van Keirsbilck, Member of the UN Committee on the Rights of the Child
• Mr Bragi Gudbrandsson, Member of the UN Committee on the Rights of the Child
• Ms. Corinne Dettmeijer-Vermeulen, Member of the Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women
• Dr. Eduardo Rezende Melo, Judge São Paulo Brazil
• Mr. George Laryea-Adjea, Director of Programme Group – UNICEF
• Ms Hynd Ayoubi, Member of the UN Committee on the Rights of the Child
• Ms. Laura Martinez Mora, Secretary, Permanent Bureau of the Hague Conference on Private International Law
• Dr Mikiko Otani, Member of the UN Committee on the Rights of the Child, Visiting Professor, Leiden University
• Ms Velina Todorova, Member of the UN Committee on the Rights of the Child

Target audience
Academics, professionals, government officials, non-governmental stakeholders, students

Inaugural lecture of Prof. Dr. Ann Skelton
To attend the Inaugural lecture on April 12, we can provide reserved seats.
(additional in shopping cart)

Cost: Regular Fee € 150 (excl. VAT) | Student fee (including Phd candidates) € 50 (excl. VAT) including lunches and receptions
Registration and additional information: https://www.paoleiden.nl/cursusaanbod/2024/10-years-of-opic-pathways-of-access-to-justice-for-children/