Young Azoreans deepen knowledge of Portuguese justice system as part of European Youth Week - Communication

Secretaria Regional da Juventude, Habitação e Emprego

More than three hundred young people living in the Azores participated in the event "How Does the Justice System Work in Portugal?", an initiative organised by the Regional Secretariat for Youth, Housing and Employment, through the Regional Directorate for Youth, in partnership with the Azores Judicial District.

This activity involved 371 young students across the Region, aged between 15 and 25. It took place in May as part of the European Youth Week, held between April 24 and May 1, and focused on the themes of Solidarity, Equal Opportunities and Justice.

The sessions took place in the courtrooms of the courts located on the islands of Santa Maria, São Miguel, Terceira, Graciosa, Faial, Pico, São Jorge and Flores. They were conducted in an interactive format by professionals from the justice sector, such as magistrates, prosecutors, lawyers and court officers.

During the activities, young participants had the opportunity to learn about the organisation of the justice system in Portugal, understand the role of the courts and the main judicial actors, identify legal concepts in a simple and accessible manner, stimulate critical thinking and a sense of citizenship, as well as relate these topics to the specific reality of the Azores.

Maria João Carreiro highlighted the significant participation of regional schools in yet another “public initiative to endow young people with the tools for knowledge and participation,” thereby strengthening the “connection between younger generations and the European values of democracy, justice and citizenship.”

For the Regional Secretary for Youth, Housing and Employment, this learning experience on the functioning of the Portuguese justice system and the role of institutions in upholding the Rule of Law has also fostered a “deeper understanding of democratic institutions and the mechanisms that ensure the functioning of a free, fair and participatory society.”

The government official also praised the “support and committed participation of the Azores Judicial District in this activity, which brings young people closer to institutions.”

The European Youth Week is an event organised by the European Commission every two years. It promotes civic participation, active citizenship, dialogue with policy-makers and the empowerment of young people, encouraging access to credible information and democratic engagement.