Cyprus awarded Crystal Scales of Justice Prize 2023 by Council of Europe
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Introduction
The humanitarian organization “Hope For Children” CRC Policy Center and the Cyprus Judicial School were awarded the Council of Europe “Crystal Scales of Justice” Prize 2023. This prestigious recognition was for their joint effort in developing an innovative tool, “Kids in Court Game” (KiCGame), designed to prepare children - vulnerable witnesses for their participation in judicial proceedings.
The Research Team
The KiCGame tool was developed in collaboration between Hope For Children and Sheffield Hallam University in the UK. The lead researcher was Dr. Marilena Kyriakidou, Senior Lecturer at the university, and the project was coordinated on behalf of HFC by Senior Clinical Psychologist, Ioanna Drousiotou. The research team also included Dr. Alexia Zalaf, Senior Lecturer at the University of Nicosia, and Stella Hadjioannou, associate of HFC and member of the Board of the Greek Women Foundation Enosis.
The Award Ceremony
The award ceremony took place in Paris in a special event organized by the French Ministry of Justice. The event was attended by Eric Dupond-Moretti, the French Minister of Justice, Pap Ndiaye, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of France to the Council of Europe, Christophe Poirel, Director of Human Rights at the Council of Europe, and Francesco Depasquale, President of CEPEJ. “Hope For Children” was represented by its Executive Director, Andria Neocleous, and from the Cyprus Judicial School, Georgios Erotokritou, the Director of the School.
Endorsements and Support
The proposal received support from Cyprus’ Ministry of Justice and Public Order and the Commissioner for the Protection of the Rights of the Child. The tool is also endorsed by other public authorities involved in handling cases of violence against children, such as the Social Welfare Services and Mental Health Services.
Impact and Future Prospects
Georgios Erotokritou, former Judge of the Supreme Court and current Director of the Cyprus Judicial School, stated that the “Kids in Court Game” tool aligns with the broader policy of the European Union and the Council of Europe for a Child-Friendly Justice system. This system not only preserves the principle of due legal process but also respects the rights of children, including the right to understand the judicial process. The Executive Director of Hope For Children, Andria Neocleous, emphasized that it is our duty to ensure children’s path through this process is as smooth as possible.