Commissioner Chris Quinn shares his support of Homelessness Awareness Week. Read his statement calling on the need for robust Homelessness Prevention Legislation to advance the eradication of poverty and homelessness in NI.
“This Homelessness Awareness Week is an opportunity to recognise and listen to the lived experiences of people who are vulnerably housed or
experiencing homelessness.
The Simon Community recently highlighted that a staggering 19,420 children in Northern Ireland are homeless.
This represents a profound political failure and a violation of babies’, children’s, and young people’s rights, affecting every aspect of their lives, from safety and mental health to education, play, and their sense of belonging.
This year’s theme, “See The Person,” is a powerful reminder to move beyond statistics and to recognise the dignity, humanity, and rights of every individual affected by homelessness.
We need to listen to and act upon the lived experiences of those affected by homelessness. This means pushing for robust Homelessness Prevention Legislation, an Anti-Poverty Strategy that lifts families out of poverty, and long-term support for vulnerable families and young people.
Full and direct incorporation of the UNCRC would provide a legal framework to make this possible, strengthen accountability for public spending, and ensure that the voices and experiences of children facing homelessness are fully considered in decision-making.”
Chris Quinn, NI Commissioner for Children and Young People
Follow on socials – #HAW25 #SeeThePerson #EndHomelessnessNI.
