Special features of statements made by underage victims in criminal proceedings

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Published: February 17, 2026

As a judge or public prosecutor, how do you deal with the conflict between victim protection and establishing the truth? Which legal instruments ensure the best possible protection for underage victims in criminal proceedings?

These key questions were addressed at a seminar for Kazakh judges, prosecutors, lawyers and representatives of other institutions in Astana on 2 and 3 February 2026.

The professional exchange with Anne Meier-Göring, Presiding Judge at the Hamburg Regional Court (Juvenile Criminal Division), and Dr Johannes Schlichte, Presiding Judge at the Hamburg Regional Court (Criminal Division), focused on child rights-based standards in dealing with underage witnesses from a German perspective. Practical solutions were presented and discussed in depth.

Finally, concrete recommendations were made, which the Kazakh side intends to implement systematically. The aim is to better take into account the special needs of children and young people in criminal proceedings. This includes, among other things, guaranteeing psychosocial and legal support for the children affected in the proceedings in order to improve the framework conditions for a child-friendly justice system.