XVII World Congress of the International Association of Youth and Family Judges and Magistrates

Belfast, Northern Ireland, 27 August 2006 to 1 September 2006

Dear Colleagues,

I would like to invite you to participate in a major world congress dedicated to promoting the rights of children.

To be held under the aegis of the International Association of Youth and Family Judges and Magistrates, Belfast 2006 will be a significant multi-disciplinary event that will attract both members of the judiciary and all those court-connected professionals whose work supports children, families and youth justice. Delegates will include judges, magistrates, lawyers (CPD points will be accorded), psychiatrists, psychologists, policy makers, representatives from Government Departments, police, academics, social scientists, human rights organisations, welfare agencies and community groups.

The central theme of the Congress is: The Right Justice. Issues touching on the administration of justice as it affects the main influences on children and youth – family, community, society and youth justice will be considered within the context of a set of themes that reflect the rights enshrined in the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child and other relevant international instruments.

The Congress programme will take place over five days and incorporate addresses by speakers drawn from around the world and representing a range of nationalities and cultures. In addition to seminars and workshops, there will be opportunities to visit local courts and children’s institutions. There will also be opportunities to see the City of Belfast – currently undergoing a major renaissance – and to enjoy the many attractions and sights of the surrounding countryside.

On behalf of the Local Organising Committee I look forward to welcoming you to Belfast in 2006.

The Honourable Mr Justice Gillen
Senior Family Judge for Northern Ireland
Chairman of the Local Organising Committee