24 November 2004

Children’s rights and responsibilities are central to new strategy

A draft 10-year strategy, which aims to place the emphasis on children and young people’s rights, as well as highlighting their responsibilities as active citizens, was launched for consultation today by the Government.

The consultation document, entitled ‘Making it r wrld 2’, embraces far-reaching issues that affect children and young people. These include protection, education, the environment, bullying, play facilities, transport and the promotion of their rights.

It also seeks to increase their participation in decisions that will affect their everyday lives, such as road safety initiatives and schemes to improve the lives of children and young people living in rural areas.

Commenting on the draft strategy, NIO Minister John Spellar said: “Government is committed to bringing forward this 10-year strategy for children and young people, in order to find ways of ensuring that their rights and needs are co?ordinated, monitored and promoted within Government.

“It is also important, however, that we acknowledge that children and young people must take responsibility for, and think about, the consequences of their actions, not only on the people around them, but also the community in which they live.”

Mr Spellar said the publication of ‘Making it r wrld 2’ represented three years of information gathering and informal consultation with all those involved in children and young people’s issues, including discussions with children and young people themselves.

(MB)