From 26 to 28 October, Judge Levan Darbaidze, an affiliated professor at Caucasus University’s School of Law, founder of the Centre for Children’s Rights and a Council member of the International Association of Youth and Family Judges and Magistrates (AIMJF), participated in a study visit to Turin, Italy.

As part of the programme, Professor Darbaidze visited the Turin Court of Appeal and met with Roberta Collida, President of a Division of the Court; Carmen Rita Mecca, President of the Juvenile Court; and Emma Avezzù, Juvenile Prosecutor.

Discussions focused on legal safeguards for children and adolescents, the specific features of juvenile justice, and Italy’s approach to coordination between judicial authorities and child protection services. Particular attention was paid to protecting the rights of child victims of crime, ensuring that their interests are considered throughout criminal proceedings, and responding to the particular needs of vulnerable groups.

Participants had the opportunity to attend court hearings and gain first-hand insight into the practical workings of the Italian justice system. The programme also included visits to the Turin Juvenile Court and the Juvenile Justice Centre (Centro per la Giustizia Minorile), where discussions focused on support for children in conflict with the law and the role of social services.

The visit offered a valuable opportunity to share experiences across countries, explore child-centred approaches to justice, and strengthen professional and academic cooperation in this field.