Make children a priority – Children’s Commissioner

COMMISSIONER for Children and Young People, Patricia Lewsley-Mooney, today (Monday) jointly launches with her Children Commissioner colleagues across the UK a report detailing how government measures up to the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC).

The four UK Children’s Commissioners have expressed concern at how spending cuts may impact children, in a “Mid-Term Report” published to coincide with the International Day of the Child. (Full UK press release below can be viewed here).

It is now three years since the Children’s Commissioners reported to the UN, and this report represents the midway point before the UN Committee reports again on the UK, including Northern Ireland.

“This report looks at how the Westminster Government and devolved administrations such as Northern  Ireland are measuring up to the recommendations of the UN Committee on the Rights of the Child,” said Ms Lewsley-Mooney.

“I have been pleased to see some commitments to children in the draft programme for Government released last week. I warmly welcome the words of the Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness on the floor of the Assembly last week when he made a commitment to ‘fulfil’ the Executives obligations under the Convention. This will require concerted effort across the Executive, making children a priority and ensuring joined up working”

The Commissioner said that the issue of child poverty was one that still devastates the lives of too many children within our communities.

“All the Children’s Commissioners are concerned at the persistent levels of child poverty, especially at this time of financial hardship.”

Ms Lewsley- Mooney also commented on the need to involve children and young people in making decisions about issues that affect their lives.

“ The Mid-Term Report highlights the need for more and better participation for children and young people,” she said. “Just this week I gave evidence to the Committee for Education’s School Council Inquiry, which is a welcome advance in children’s right to have a say.

“And this week (Wednesday November 23rd) I will be unveiling the winners of my 2011 Participation Awards, which comment government departments and public bodies who involve children in effective, meaningful participation.”

"My job is to advise and challenge government to deliver more effectively for children. This is what I am doing here today, and I will continue to do so until we see real change delivered for children on the ground."