All Rise for the Children's Court! - 13th April 2013
Children from ethnic minority backgrounds, including Traveller children, this week joined forces with Patricia Lewsley–Mooney, Northern Ireland Commissioner for Children and Young People (NICCY) who judged which of their rights were being breached at a ‘Children’s Court’.
The interactive ‘Children’s Court’ was hosted by BELONG, the family support programme working to promote a sense of belonging amongst Black and Minority Ethnic (BME) children and young people.
Children spoke about issues they are facing in their everyday lives and the Children’s Commissioner then give her ruling on what rights have been breached and what actions should be taken.
The event formed part of a day long programme of activities held at
Service providers and community organisations were in attendance at the Children’s Court and they also had an opportunity to view the artwork and performances developed by children and to hear their very own composition, ‘BELONG in Song’.
BELONG Programme Manager, Deirdre McAliskey said: “We were delighted to work with NICCY on this exciting opportunity to have the voices of BME children heard by the adults and agencies who have responsibility to support them in the fulfilment of their rights.”
NI Commissioner for Children & Young People, Patricia Lewsley-Mooney said: “The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child is a list of promises made by Government to children.”
“My job is to safeguard and promote the rights and best interests of all children and young people in Northern Ireland and to make sure Government keeps those promises.”
“I enjoyed listening to these young people’s views, hearing about the issues they face in everyday life and seeing how I can help ensure that their rights are protected.”
BELONG Partners: 