DoF Equality Scheme Consultation
NICCY provided advice on the DoF Equality Scheme Consultation,
Closing the Legal Gap: Learning from Europe – Strengthening the Case for Equal Protection from Assault in Northern Ireland aims to support policy makers and elected representatives in their efforts to repeal the defence of reasonable chastisement, bringing Northern Ireland in line with international children’s rights standards, including the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC).
Drawing on evidence and best practice from across Europe, the report highlights the urgent need for legislative reform to ensure that all children receive the same legal protection from assault as adults. It is hoped that the opportunities afforded by the current legislative program will be utilised in order to protect children and young people and NICCY looks forward to engaging further on this important children’s rights issue in the coming months.
It also underscores the importance of embedding this change within a wider framework of family and parenting support, ensuring that parents are empowered and supported in non-violent approaches to raising children.’
The report can be downloaded at the right-hand side of this page.
