Commissioner Appointed To Top European Post

11 October 2010 News

NORTHERN Ireland Commissioner for Children and Young People, Patricia Lewsley, has been appointed as Chair of the prestigious European Network of Ombudsmen for Children (ENOC).

The network is made up of 37 countries and aims to promote the rights and best interests of children and young people at local, national and international level.

“I am extremely honoured to be nominated to this post,” said Ms Lewsley. “It presents an opportunity to make sure that children and young people can continue to have a voice at a European level.”

The Commissioner, as chair will lead the input of Commissioners across the 37 member ENOC countries in key European legislation and policy.

“I am passionate that the voice of children and young people is heard at all levels. As Chair of ENOC it means that I can contribute to discussions on social policy and issues directly affecting children and young people.”

Ms Lewsley has been among those leading the involvement of children and young people at an international level.

“I was among the commissioners and ombudsmen leading the involvement of children and young people through the ENOC Network of Youth Advisers, which includes young people from Northern Ireland.

“As chair of ENOC I intend to develop this type of participation further and will be reporting their input to both ENOC and European institutions such as the European Commission, the European Parliament and the Council of Europe.”

ENDS

NOTES TO EDITORS:

  • You can find out more about ENOC here
  • The European Commission funds ENOC’s Secretariat and the associated tasks for the Chair of ENOC.
  • The Commissioner’s tenure as chair is for one (1) year.