Maartje Berger

Maartje Berger is an independent children’s rights expert, legal advisor and MfN mediator, specialising in youth justice, youth law, restorative justice and youth participation. In collaboration with Restorative Justice Nederland (RJN), she promotes a child-friendly, pedagogical and restorative approach to law, policy and practice.

From 2008 to 2023, Maartje served as Legal Advisor on Children’s Rights at Defence for Children Netherlands. She now works as a project coordinator, advocacy officer, trainer and researcher on national and EU-level projects focused on youth justice and restorative justice. Her work engages policymakers, youth lawyers, caregivers and students.

Maartje has authored a range of reports and articles on topics including children in police custody, children in conflict with the law, deprivation of liberty and restorative justice for young people.

Alongside her legal expertise, she is trained in mediation in penal cases and in therapeutic and pedagogical approaches such as Emotionally Focused Mediation (EFM) and Life Space Crisis Intervention (LSCI).

Her work is guided by the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC). She advocates for the integration of restorative justice within youth justice systems, improved access to restorative processes for young victims, suspects and offenders, and greater specialisation in youth-focused mediation and practice.