Government fails to be pinned down on children’s rights

PROTESTERS, the Children’s Rights Alliance and the Ombudsman for Children expressed disappointment leaving Geneva last night without pinning down the Government on when it will substantially revise its children’s policy.

A cohort of non-governmental organisations had made detailed submissions to the United Nations Committee on the Rights of the Child (CRC), but left the eight-hour session feeling that Minister Brian Lenihan had wriggled off the hook.

The minister and his inter-departmental delegation had to explain the systems affecting the welfare of Irish children at length, but the travelling party, more familiar with the situation back home, remained cynical about the answers given.

Jillian Van Turnhout of the Children’s Rights Alliance felt that while the CRC was treated to a series of promises, they lacked any concrete commitment to make the radical reforms that are necessary.

She said: “I am disappointed with the vagueness of the replies and that there was no commitment or timelines given on a number of important areas that were highlighted to the State before the hearing.”

Like many in the diverse audience, she remained hopeful that when the CRC produces its report within two weeks it will force cabinet to focus on the areas of greatest need.

She said: “I do believe the concluding observations will come out with a strong priority list. I believe that this will give the minister a clear action plan for what needs to be done.

“Discriminatory treatment was a big issue today and the committee touched on this in a number of areas, like Travellers and the rights of asylum seekers.

“New challenges facing the Government that haven’t been tackled, like alcohol, childhood obesity and suicide still need to be faced up to.”

Attending the hearing Children’s Ombudsman, Emily Logan, agreed with Ms Van Turnhout that the minister had kept the CRC at arms length for much of the day.

Ms Logan said: “What I am very interested in is hearing the concluding observations. What has happened in other countries is that people have come out feeling that they have done quite well and yet that has not been reflected in the findings of the final report.”

Particular attention was afforded throughout the day to protesters from the Unmarried Fathers of Ireland Group, who travelled to Geneva with banners highlighting the inequality in Irish custody law.