Nursery World - Northern Ireland gets children's advocate

Children's political representation was strengthened last week as Northern Ireland announced it was to follow the lead of Wales and appoint its own independent Commissioner for Children. First Minister David Trimble told the Northern Ireland Assembly that the move was 'the most important proposal in the field of children's rights for many years' in the Province. He said, 'If there is one matter on which there is common ground among all parties in the Assembly, it is our common desire for a better, more secure future for our children.

First Minister David Trimble told the Northern Ireland Assembly that the move was 'the most important proposal in the field of children's rights for many years' in the Province. He said, 'If there is one matter on which there is common ground among all parties in the Assembly, it is our common desire for a better, more secure future for our children.

'To achieve that aim, we must act now, to ensure that children can grow and develop in an environment in which their rights are upheld, their safety is secured, and their needs are met.'

Deputy First Minister Seamus Mallon described the appointment as 'the centrepiece of a bold and imaginative strategy (to) ensure that there is an effective champion for children's rights operating independently of Government' in the Province. He said, 'Other elements of the strategy will ensure a joined-up approach to children's matters within Government and the Assembly, and will give children and young people themselves a strong voice to influence policy.'

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