Act Now To Make It Right

7 April 2010 News

NORTHERN Ireland Commissioner for Children and Young People, Patricia Lewsley, has called on children, young people, parents, carers and teachers to ‘Make It Right’.

Just over twenty years ago the UK Government signed the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) – a list of 42 promises the government has made to children and young people- but it has not yet become UK law.

Through the ‘Make it Right’ campaign children and young people are encouraged to: write to government, develop their own campaigns and help make sure the issues that affect children day-to-day are brought to the attention of those that take decisions that affect their lives.

“I want to encourage children and young people to become involved in the ‘Make It Right’ campaign, to explain what the issues really mean for them and how they directly affect them,” said Northern Ireland Commissioner for Children and Young People, Patricia Lewsley.

“Each month we are highlighting a different issue affecting young people through workshops, policy briefings, child-friendly resources and events with partner organisations.

“It is also an opportunity to educate others about the issues that exist for children and young people in their everyday lives.

“Schools, youth organisations and individuals are already getting involved by writing a letter to their local councillor, sharing what they have learned with others or by sending a petition to their local MLA.

“More than 300 individual children and young people have been taking part in the campaign and I hope that even more children and young people will act now to make it right!”

This month the campaign highlights ‘Children and Young People Having A Say’. Previous months have included Child Poverty, Supporting Families and Making Communities Safer.

Other issues highlighted will include play and leisure, disabilities, looked after children, education, health and wellbeing as well as young people in trouble with the law.

Visit www.niccy.org/childrensrights, email participation@niccy.org or call 028 90311616 to find out more and get involved to help Make it Right.