Ministry for Justice, Academy of European Law Hold Seminars on Children’s Rights and AI in Justice
The Ministry for Justice and Reform of the Construction Sector, in collaboration with the Academy of European Law (ERA), organised two high‑level seminars focusing on the procedural rights of children in Europe and the responsible and transparent use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) within the justice sector.
The first seminar brought together members of the judiciary, mediators, child advocates, and legal professionals to discuss emerging standards and best practices in child‑friendly justice. This forms part of the Ministry’s wider reform programme, including the forthcoming restructuring of the Family Court, which represents one of Malta’s most substantial reforms in recent years.
Minister for Justice and Reform of the Construction Sector Jonathan Attard emphasised that Malta’s reforms place children firmly at the centre of proceedings. “Children are not accessories to proceedings. They are rightsholders. They deserve protection, to be heard, and to be supported. Safeguarding their procedural rights is not simply a procedural matter, it is the ethical foundation of a modern justice system that is humane, transparent, and truly responsive to the needs of families,” the Minister said.
Attard noted Malta’s leadership at European level, including its recent hosting of the Conference on the Best Interests of the Child under the Maltese Presidency of the Council of Europe. He stated that such initiatives reflect Malta’s commitment to shaping European policy grounded in children’s rights, participation, and evidence‑based practice.
The seminar focused on Artificial Intelligence in justice, examining opportunities and challenges arising from the digital transformation of the Justice sector. The programme addressed AI fundamentals, EU guidelines on trustworthy and responsible AI, and practical applications in document review, case management, data protection, ethics, and human oversight.
In his address, Minister Attard said that Malta’s approach to AI is firmly rooted in transparency, accountability, and respect for fundamental rights. “AI will never replace human judgment, it supports it. Technology must help us deliver justice that is more efficient, more accessible, and more trusted, without ever compromising fairness, dignity, or the rule of law. Innovation must never outrun our values.”
The Minister referred to ongoing investments under the Malta Digital Justice Strategy, including upgraded courtroom audio systems, improved digital connectivity, document‑processing tools, and the forthcoming Court Information Management System.
Attard also stressed the central role of professional development and international cooperation. “No reform is stronger than the people who implement it. Continuous training and collaboration with European partners are essential to ensuring that our legal professionals have the tools and knowledge needed in a rapidly evolving environment.”
The Minister thanked ERA’s experts, the participating professionals, and the Ministry’s staff for their work across both events. “Whether we are discussing children’s rights or the role of technology, the objective remains the same: justice that hears better, protects better, and decides better,” Dr Attard concluded.
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