Having a Say at ‘The Big House’

NICCY marks Universal Day of the Child with the ‘108’

NORTHERN Ireland’s children and young people need to have a say in the decisions that affect their lives was the message from the Children’s Commissioner on the Universal Day of the Child.

The Commissioner, Patricia Lewsley made the call as she joined 108 children and young people on the steps of Parliament Buildings, Stormont.

The event, organised by WIMPS (Where is My Public Servant), with support from the Big Deal Lottery Fund, saw young people deliver a message to the Government Ministers calling for a Youth Assembly.

“One of my key priorities is that children and young people should have a say in decisions that affect their lives,” said Ms Lewsley.

“It is also a key article in the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, so on today, the Universal Day of the Child, I am delighted to support 108 young people having their say on the steps of the Assembly.”

WIMPS, co-ordinated the arrival of 108 children and young people from across Northern Ireland at Parliament Buildings after one of their members, Christopher Madden (14) emailed all MLAs with his call for greater participation in democracy for young people.

The Commissioner said: “Through WIMPS and other projects children and young people are having their say on issues that are important to them.

“Now is the chance for Government to consider the many ways that they can actively listen to and involve all children and young people to make their lives better.”

NOTES TO EDITORS

• You can find out more information on the work of the Northern Ireland Commissioner for Children and Young People here on the web site
• For more information on 108 visit   www.wimps.tv , where you can also see a video presentation on 108 from WIMPS member Ellen Diver