Menu
21/11/2003
Student behind Children’s Commisioner role wins award
A University of Ulster student whose research directly influenced the current role of the Children’s Commisioner for Northern Ireland, Nigel Williams, last night scooped a Science Shop Award.
Magee law student Lisa Melarkey carried out an a analysis of the Commissioner for Children and Young People Northern Ireland Order 2003 for the Derry Children’s Commission which was used in their submission to Mr Williams.
Her project recommended that young people be directly involved in the recruitment process for the Children’s Commissioner for Northern Ireland and that he should report to them, not only to government, if children’s rights are to be protected here.
The report also suggests that children be formally educated within schools about their rights, as current evidence shows that most young people are unaware of these rights.
Director for the Derry Children’s Commission, Clionagh Boyle, strongly supported the report’s recommendations. She said: “Lisa’s work has provided us with an in depth exploration of the legislation in a readable accessible style which is no small achievement given the complexities of the task.
“This was a particularly challenging piece of work that we used in a submission made to the newly appointed Children’s Commissioner in Northern Ireland, Nigel Williams”.
The annual Science Shop event showcases the best community based action research projects of the year, identifying a project that has made a significant contribution to the community sector.
Lisa received her award and £500 prize at a special presentation ceremony at the University of Ulster last night.
(MB)
Magee law student Lisa Melarkey carried out an a analysis of the Commissioner for Children and Young People Northern Ireland Order 2003 for the Derry Children’s Commission which was used in their submission to Mr Williams.
Her project recommended that young people be directly involved in the recruitment process for the Children’s Commissioner for Northern Ireland and that he should report to them, not only to government, if children’s rights are to be protected here.
The report also suggests that children be formally educated within schools about their rights, as current evidence shows that most young people are unaware of these rights.
Director for the Derry Children’s Commission, Clionagh Boyle, strongly supported the report’s recommendations. She said: “Lisa’s work has provided us with an in depth exploration of the legislation in a readable accessible style which is no small achievement given the complexities of the task.
“This was a particularly challenging piece of work that we used in a submission made to the newly appointed Children’s Commissioner in Northern Ireland, Nigel Williams”.
The annual Science Shop event showcases the best community based action research projects of the year, identifying a project that has made a significant contribution to the community sector.
Lisa received her award and £500 prize at a special presentation ceremony at the University of Ulster last night.
(MB)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
27 June 2001
REPORT INTO CHILD ABUSE CALLS FOR WATCHDOG
NORTHERN Ireland Assembly members unanimously passed a recommendation to nominate a commissioner for children that would protect and defend the rights of vulnerable young people. The intention to appoint a children’s commissioner was first announced by the First and deputy First Minister in January this year.
REPORT INTO CHILD ABUSE CALLS FOR WATCHDOG
NORTHERN Ireland Assembly members unanimously passed a recommendation to nominate a commissioner for children that would protect and defend the rights of vulnerable young people. The intention to appoint a children’s commissioner was first announced by the First and deputy First Minister in January this year.
18 April 2002
Human Rights Commission critical of NIO support
In its annual statement to the UN, the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission has criticised the Northern Ireland Office for providing inadequate funding and insufficient disclosure.
Human Rights Commission critical of NIO support
In its annual statement to the UN, the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission has criticised the Northern Ireland Office for providing inadequate funding and insufficient disclosure.
23 September 2021
Human Rights Commissioner Calls On Govt To Rethink Amnesty
The UK government's proposed amnesty "would undermine human rights protections and would cut off avenues to justice for victims and their families". In a letter to the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland Brandon Lewis, Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights, Dunja Mijatović, has called for the proposal to be "re-thought".
Human Rights Commissioner Calls On Govt To Rethink Amnesty
The UK government's proposed amnesty "would undermine human rights protections and would cut off avenues to justice for victims and their families". In a letter to the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland Brandon Lewis, Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights, Dunja Mijatović, has called for the proposal to be "re-thought".
06 September 2016
Travellers Accommodation In NI To Be Investigated
The issue of Travellers accommodation in Northern Ireland is to be investigated by the Human Rights Commission. The Commission completed a scoping exercise in June which identified significant human rights concerns on a potentially systemic level. The Commission will publish its findings in the autumn of 2017.
Travellers Accommodation In NI To Be Investigated
The issue of Travellers accommodation in Northern Ireland is to be investigated by the Human Rights Commission. The Commission completed a scoping exercise in June which identified significant human rights concerns on a potentially systemic level. The Commission will publish its findings in the autumn of 2017.
19 December 2024
New Northern Ireland Veterans Commissioner Appointed
The Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Hilary Benn, has appointed David Johnstone as the new Northern Ireland Veterans Commissioner. Johnstone, a former officer in the Royal Irish Regiment (Reserves), will take up the role on 1 January 2025. The position is part-time and will last until 31 August 2026.
New Northern Ireland Veterans Commissioner Appointed
The Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Hilary Benn, has appointed David Johnstone as the new Northern Ireland Veterans Commissioner. Johnstone, a former officer in the Royal Irish Regiment (Reserves), will take up the role on 1 January 2025. The position is part-time and will last until 31 August 2026.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:West to northwest gale force winds, severe along the north coast, will continue overnight. Frequent showers persist, merging into longer periods of rain at times and turning wintry. Minimum temperature 1 °C.
