Bringing Rights Home for Children

Minister for Education, Martin McGuinness MP MLA will join Mr Justice Gillen, the Family Division High Court Judge and Trond Wagga, the Norwegian Commissioner for children at a major children's rights conference on

Thursday 10 may 2001
In
Malone House
Barnett Demesne
Belfast

"The Peace Process, the Human Rights Act 1998 and the intention to establish a Commissioner for Children have presented us with huge opportunities to protect the rights of all our children in a much more comprehensive way than ever before" commented Tara Caul, Head of Legal Services in the Children's Law Centre. "There are many cases when children's rights are not being fully delivered. By bringing together key decision makers and people from the voluntary, statutory and legal sector who are working in the filed of children's rights we can explore how we can best use the added protection to improve the lives of all children" Ms Caul added.

"It is important that at today's conference we not only examine current protection but also what further measures are needed to ensure the rights of children who are the most vulnerable in our society. The proposed Commissioner for Children must build on experiences elsewhere. Trond Wagga, the Norwegian Commissioner for Children, can help signpost us to the best model for a Children's Commissioner" commented Paddy Kelly, Director of the Children's Law Centre. "Norway presents one of the best models for a Children's Commissioner internationally. We must learn from what has happened there and build on their experiences to reflect our unique circumstance. Today is an important opportunity to engage in that process. Our children deserve nothing less", she continued.

Ends