Chairperson of the United Nations Committee on the Rights of the Child, Professor Jaap Doek, will lead the tributes to Mr Williams, who was the first Children’s Commissioner from October 2003 until his death in March of this year.
Barney McNeany, who is currently Commissioner on an interim basis, said Nigel’s work had touched the lives of many children and young people, through his dedication and enthusiasm.
“Nigel epitomised the very highest standards carrying out his work; work that was dedicated to making sure children and young people could enjoy their rights, use those rights to improve their live chances, and be safe and secure where they lived, played and were taught,” said Mr McNeany.
“It is particularly fitting that the head of the United Nations Committee on the Rights of the Child should be leading the tributes at today’s remembrance of Nigel’s work.”
During today’s event a time capsule will be unveiled, containing details of the work undertaken by Mr Williams during his time in post, as well as achievements by NICCY during that time. It will be opened in October 2013, on the 10th anniversary of NICCY’s work starting.
Professor Doek, who is attending the XXVII World Congress of Family judges and Magistrates in Belfast on Children’s Rights, will also rename the NICCY conference room as the Nigel Williams Conference Room, as well as delivering a keynote lecture on the rights of children in the 21st Century.
Notes to Editors
MEDIA ENQUIRIES For more information please contact Andrew McGall, Communication Officer at NICCY on 028 9031 1616 or communications@niccy.org