A/65/219 Annex Principles for child protection and participation in transitional justicea 1. The best interests of the child should guide transitional justice processes. 2. Children must be treated with dignity and respect. 3. Transitional justice mechanisms, including in the design and implementation of policies and child-friendly procedures, should ensure the protection of children against violence and promote their physical and psychological well-being. 4. Protection of the identity of the child and the child’s privacy must be guaranteed at all times. 5. Children have the right to participate in decisions affecting their lives. The participation of children should be voluntary, with the informed consent of the child and a parent or guardian. The decision not to participate can also be a form of participation. 6. Policies and procedures to protect the rights of children involved in transitional justice processes should include a specific focus on adolescents and should be consistent with the evolving capacities of the child. 7. A gender-sensitive approach to participation in transitional justice processes should include a focus on the protection of the rights of girls and should address their specific needs and experiences. 8. Participation should be non-discriminatory and should include, as appropriate, diverse ethnic, racial, religious and other groups, and take into consideration the specific needs of children with disabilities. 9. Transitional justice processes should facilitate the realization of children’s civil, political, economic, social and cultural rights. A human rights-based approach to transitional justice processes should be holistic and sustainable, addressing the root causes of armed conflict and political violence and strengthening the protective environment for children in their families and communities. a 20 Prepared under the auspices of the United Nations Children’s Fund and Harvard Law School, March 2010 (see Children and Transitional Justice: Truth-Telling, Accountability and Reconciliation). 10-47421