Young People - from the NICVA Policy Manifesto
Posted by Feargal O'Kane on Feb 13 2007 under Young people, Policy Manifesto |
Young people are vital members of society in Northern Ireland. The rights of young people are not something that is conferred on them by society in return for good behaviour – they are inalienable human rights to which everyone is entitled. All young people are entitled to the same rights as adults but also have additional rights conferred on them by the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC).
The UNCRC is a set of non-negotiable and legally binding minimum standards and obligations which the government has ratified and should be delivering for all children and young people in Northern Ireland. It is imperative that the UNCRC is fully implemented in Northern Ireland. Recent developments such as the introduction of ASBOs are an illustration of government breaching the rights of young people and the recently launched ten year Strategy for Children and Young People, though generally welcome, falls far short of being the implementation plan for the UNCRC. Government must address all of the UNCRC Committee’s recommendations when it reports to it in 2007 and be seen to be making real progress in addressing the failings identified in the Committee’s 2002 report.
Young people are entitled to have a say in all matters which affect them, to have their views taken into account and to have their best interests given the most importance when adults make decisions for them. This includes meaningful participation in any decisions and services that will have an impact on their lives and the lives of their families and communities. The creation of the office of NI Commissioner for Children and Young People and its role in facilitating consultation with young people is to be welcomed and NICCY should be adequately resourced to decentralise its work in order to reach more young people all over Northern Ireland.
All children and young people are entitled to these rights, including young people who are vulnerable or hard to reach such as homeless young people, looked after young people, young people in the criminal justice system, young lone parents, young people with a disability, young people from minority ethnic groups, young carers and young people from the Travelling community.
Government and parties should:
- Act as advocates for the positive promotion of the rights of young people. This will involve ensuring that young people are aware of their rights as well as developing and implementing policies and practices which protect these rights.
- Support and develop initiatives designed to encourage active citizenship amongst young people. Examples include the development of shadow councils and the proposed District Youth Networks. Politicians should ensure that these structures are inclusive of all young people.
- Ensure, through the inspection regime, that schools and colleges are open, welcoming and tolerant environments which embrace the diversity of people who live in Northern Ireland and recognise the role that community-based activities have in contributing to young people’s development.
- Review the current apprenticeship schemes to ensure that young apprentices are entitled to the National Minimum Wage and given quality placements which will help them develop their skills.
- Stop economic discrimination against young workers by raising the National Minimum Wage for young people to the same level as other workers and abolish the lower age limit and allow 16-17 year olds who are living independently access to social security benefits in their own right and at the same level of those over 25.
- Develop and implement a comprehensive careers service that is accessible to all young people including those who are not in the school system.
- Resource support and advocacy services for young people who are living with drug and alcohol abuse.
- Ensure young people receive adequate non-judgemental and assessable information on issues related to sexual health and emotional development and support initiatives designed to combat bullying.
- Recognise the alarming rates of suicide and self-harm amongst young people in Northern Ireland and provide accessible and appropriate information and support to meet the mental and emotional health needs of young people.
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