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10/04/2002
Stormont strategy launched to protect children's rights
The Stormont Executive is currently developing a children’s strategy aimed at enshrining the rights of children within government.
The initiative, organised by the Children and Young People's Unit in the Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister, was launched by junior ministers Denis Haughey and James Leslie in Belfast on Wednesday April 10.
Speaking at “A Vision For All Our Children” workshop Mr Haughey said: “This event marks the start of informal consultation on a strategy that will ensure children's rights and needs are co-ordinated, monitored and promoted within government.
“In this country, children and young people under the age of 18 make up almost a third of our population and yet their rights and interests are not always given the priority they deserve. We are determined to change this. We must recognise children as citizens in their own right and ensure that the conditions exist to enable them to enjoy a happy, safe and secure childhood.
“Our plan is to involve many key stakeholders and other interested parties in the development of proposals to improve the well being and the future all children in this community.”
The strategy, the ministers said, will set challenging long-term goals and pave the way for a programme of concerted, co-ordinated action, across government departments, to achieve them.
Mr Leslie said: “We will be calling on the expertise of children's organisations throughout Northern Ireland to help us access the views of children and young people on this important issue. We will also look extensively at other countries which have already developed national policies for children and young people and we will draw from their best points and learn from their experiences.” (AMcE)
The initiative, organised by the Children and Young People's Unit in the Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister, was launched by junior ministers Denis Haughey and James Leslie in Belfast on Wednesday April 10.
Speaking at “A Vision For All Our Children” workshop Mr Haughey said: “This event marks the start of informal consultation on a strategy that will ensure children's rights and needs are co-ordinated, monitored and promoted within government.
“In this country, children and young people under the age of 18 make up almost a third of our population and yet their rights and interests are not always given the priority they deserve. We are determined to change this. We must recognise children as citizens in their own right and ensure that the conditions exist to enable them to enjoy a happy, safe and secure childhood.
“Our plan is to involve many key stakeholders and other interested parties in the development of proposals to improve the well being and the future all children in this community.”
The strategy, the ministers said, will set challenging long-term goals and pave the way for a programme of concerted, co-ordinated action, across government departments, to achieve them.
Mr Leslie said: “We will be calling on the expertise of children's organisations throughout Northern Ireland to help us access the views of children and young people on this important issue. We will also look extensively at other countries which have already developed national policies for children and young people and we will draw from their best points and learn from their experiences.” (AMcE)
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