Children’s Commissioner’s statement on International Youth Day

Today marks the United Nations International Youth Day, highlighting the importance of young people’s voices and actions to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals for countries worldwide.

Commissioner Chris Quinn shares his views on the strength of young people and how they can make a positive impact on society.

“On this International Youth Day, I want to celebrate the energy, resilience, and creativity of young people across Northern Ireland – and also be honest about the challenges you face. Behind the inspiring local action we see every day lie some tough truths: too many children are living without a safe home, struggling with unmet special educational needs, facing racism, online harm, exploitation by criminal gangs, or being let down by services meant to protect them.

“These issues are not isolated – they are part of a bigger picture where children’s rights are too often ignored, and where the minimum standards set out in the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) are not always met. That is why I am for calling big changes to laws, policies, and funding, so that every young person can grow up safe, healthy, and heard.

“We need to do more to ensure that the voices of children and young people are not just be heard, but acted on – locally, nationally, and globally. This year’s theme, Local Youth Actions for the SDGs and Beyond, is a reminder that young people are already driving change, building fairer communities, and protecting our shared future.

“You should not have to fight alone. Incorporating the UNCRC fully into our laws would help make sure your rights are recognised, protected, and respected in every decision that affects you. Today, let’s celebrate your power and potential and demand the action needed to match it.”

For Every Child Every Right.

Watch our NICCY Youth Panel members share the importance of children and young people’s rights and how they defend them.