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xNorthern Ireland Commissioner emphasises the need to remain independent
Date: 19th November 2024
Category:
General measures of implementation, Reporting to and monitoring the UNCRC
A review of the Northern Ireland Commissioner for Children and Young People (NICCY) has led it to express concerns about potential threats to its independence. The review was undertaken on behalf of the Department of Communities, with the aim of considering the need, form, effectiveness and function of commissioner roles.
“To compromise the independence of this office is to challenge the rights of children in Northern Ireland” – Northern Ireland Commissioner for Children and Young People (NICCY)
Northern Ireland Commissioner, Chris Quinn, welcomed the review as a chance to reflect on NICCY's impactful 21 years but has criticised inaccuracies and inconsistencies in the draft report and the lack of action on past recommendations from the Commission to strengthen its powers in safeguarding children’s rights over the years. The Commissioner expressed concern over a lack of understanding of the roles, duties and responsibilities of the Office within the Department of Communities that sponsors the office.
Highlighting NICCY's advocacy for vulnerable children, Quinn urged robust public consultation to ensure compliance with global standards for independent children's rights bodies. He emphasised the importance of protecting NICCY's independence to uphold children’s rights in Northern Ireland.
There is evidence of similar risks and lack of understanding of commissioner's roles across different jurisdictions, including in Scotland. A recent inquiry and debate on the Commissioner Landscape in Scottish Parliament raised questions around the value that commissioners bring to minority and vulnerable groups.
The primary role of a commissioner for children and young people is to safeguard and promote the rights enshrined in the UNCRC, ensuring access to these rights in their day to day lives and protecting their best interests in policies and decisions that affect their lives.
The Northern Ireland Commissioner’s Office requests that the government departments take action in relation to the their previous recommendations to progress participation rights and create positive change for children and young people in Northern Ireland.