The MoU ensures that children are promptly informed of their right to legal counsel and psychological support and are accompanied by qualified legal professionals and child protection counsellors from their first contact with law enforcement.  “Ensuring that every child has access to a lawyer from the very beginning of their interaction with the justice system is not only a legal safeguard, but also a moral imperative,” said Karin Limdal, Head of Mission, EUPOL COPPS. “This agreement sets a strong foundation for accountability and due process. It’s considered a big milestone toward implementing the right to early legal  representation for all suspects in Palestine.”

The agreement outlines the responsibilities of each institution to ensure that both legal and psychosocial support are available from the outset. It stipulates that children shall not be questioned or asked to provide a statement before the arrival of a lawyer, except in limited, urgent cases. Under the MoU, child protection counsellors from the Ministry of Social Development will be engaged during the early phases of legal procedures to provide psychosocial support and help guide children and their families through the process. The Palestinian Bar Association will ensure the timely assignment of legal representation, while the Public Prosecution will coordinate and oversee the implementation of the agreement.

Supported by EUPOL COPPS and the Sawasya III Joint Programme through UNICEF, the signing of this MoU marks a key milestone in justice reform efforts in Palestine. Grounded in national law and aligned with international human rights obligations, it aims to uphold the rights of the most vulnerable — children — from the outset of legal proceedings.