Young People from Northern Ireland Address UN Committee on the Rights of the Child

On Monday 10th June, three young people from Northern Ireland will report to the UN in Geneva on how the UK Government has failed to fulfil its obligation to implement the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC).

The UN Committee will listen to the views of children and young people from Northern Ireland to inform themselves in advance of examining the UK Government in September.

Chris Mooney, Donna McCracken and Elizabeth Kelly, who have been working with the Children’s Law Centre and Save the Children are determined to make the most of this opportunity to have a real say on issues which effect them. Speaking of the meeting Donna McCracken commented:

“It is an honour to be invited to speak at this event and to represent the young people of Northern Ireland. It is encouraging that there have been so many positive initiatives in recent years such as the decision, in principle, to appoint a Commissioner for Children but there is still a long way to go. The government is obliged to create awareness about the UNCRC yet so many young people don’t even know what it is. Young people here still experience racism and despite promises Lisnevin Juvenile Centre is still open and emergency legislation still applies to children as young as 10. I really hope this trip to Geneva can inform the UN Committee so that they can influence the government to improve the lives of children and young people in Northern Ireland.”

The young people intend to raise issues such as education and health, including the need for more young person friendly health facilities. Additionally, the young people felt it was important to deal with the conflict in Northern Ireland and in particular to encourage the government to involve young people in post conflict resolution. As Chris Mooney commented:

“The Chair of the UN Committee recently visited Northern Ireland and so has an understanding of the situation here. Young people in Northern Ireland have known nothing but conflict and now we want the chance to have a say in our future. The Executive in Northern Ireland are making decisions which affect our lives and we want to be consulted effectively on these issues. We hope by talking to the UN Committee this can become a reality.”

Friday, 7th June 2002