Commissioner for Children and Young People Chris Quinn met with the Communities Minister Gordon Lyons to discuss the New Decade New Approach (NDNA) report.
Commissioner for Children and Young People Chris Quinn met with the Communities Minister Gordon Lyons to discuss the New Decade New Approach (NDNA) report.
Encouraging discussions took place with the Minister about the positive impact NICCY has had on thousands of children and young people in Northern Ireland.
As part of the NDNA agreement a review of NICCY was conducted between May and August 2022, and published this September. The Commissioner welcomed the opportunity to sit down with the Minister and discuss the recommendations made in the review.
Chris Quinn said: “The team at NICCY and I were grateful for the chance to talk to Minister Lyons following the review carried out as part of the NDNA Agreement.
“I said previously I very much welcomed the review into the office and its work over the last 21 years.
“It has enabled a public discussion on how we can protect and promote the rights of babies, children and young people – particularly those most vulnerable.
“Legislative change is necessary to enable NICCY to take ‘own motion’ cases potentially having positive impacts on thousands of babies, children and young people; but any threat to our independence will be vigorously defended.
“An ‘own motion’ case is when an organisation or authority decides to investigate an issue by itself, without waiting for someone to make a complaint.”
The Commissioner continued: “I was reassured that the Minister made specific reference to the independence of this office and his willingness to support NICCY to fulfil our all of our statutory duties.
“The office and its staff are tirelessly advocating for children’s rights day in day out. Despite financial constraints, my team and I remain focused on the importance of the recent review, believing that it will serve to underscore our commitment to promoting children’s rights and ensuring that every child can thrive.
“We are determined to engage in meaningful discussions with decision-makers to prioritise children’s rights and interests in policymaking.”
The Minister has agreed to a separate meeting to discuss NICCY priorities including child poverty and homelessness.
The Commissioner looks forward to continued collaboration with the Minister and others to ensure rights remain central in decision-making processes.