About YJL
Youth and Justice Lab is an independent organization that works with the Law and Legal Studies Department at Carleton University in Ottawa, Canada. One of the main goals of the Youth and Justice Lab (YJL) is to connect academic leaders and advocates for the rights of youth and children in Canada and around the world. The lab works directly with academic organizations, NGOs, schools, and justice systems globally to improve the lives of young people. Furthermore, we are aiming at improving juvenile justice systems and frameworks under the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (1989). The lab is a member of the World Coalition Against the Death Penalty, a global network advocating for the abolition of the death penalty.
Lab Mission
The mission of the Youth and Justice Lab is to promote and advance the rights of children and adolescents—civil, political, economic, social, and cultural—by connecting academic leaders and mobilizing justice systems to improve children’s well-being. We are committed to ensuring that every child’s life matters, including Indigenous, immigrant, and refugee children, and that their rights are recognized and protected. Through research, collaboration, and advocacy, we work toward building a world where all children, regardless of their background, identity, or circumstances, have access to a safe, equitable, and supportive environment.
Lab Vision
The Youth and Justice Lab envisions a world where every child and adolescent can fully realize their rights and potential, living in a society where justice systems, education, and human rights frameworks prioritize their well-being. We strive for a future where all children—including Indigenous, immigrant, and refugee children—are empowered, safe from harm, and supported by inclusive, equitable policies and practices globally. By fostering systemic change through innovative research, collaboration, and advocacy, we aim to create a world where every child’s life matters, and their civil, political, economic, social, and cultural rights are universally upheld.
- Researching the needs/problems
- Collaborating with academic leaders with a focus on children
- Negotiation and liaison with justice systems and human rights organizations
- Creating academic content
- Offering solutions and recommendations