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Children’s Rights and Brexit

Event on Brexit and children’s rights in the Canal Court Hotel in Newry on 10th November 2017.

What is it?

In 2016, a majority of people in the UK voted to leave the European Union (EU). The negotiations on the UK leaving the EU and commonly known as Brexit.

The OCO and the Northern Ireland Commissioner for Children and Young People (NICCY) are planning an event on Brexit and children’s rights. This event will take place in the Canal Court Hotel, Newry, on 10th November 2017.

It aims to:

  • ensure that children and young people have a voice in the Brexit negotiations;
  • ensure that children’s rights inform the Brexit debate;
  • ensure that children’s rights and best interest are considered throughout the Brexit process;
  • identify and discuss positive opportunities arising from Brexit.

Who is taking part?

Through a number of youth organisations, the OCO and the NICCY have brought together a Steering Group of young people from the North and South of Ireland to plan a cross border event on Brexit and children’s rights. The Steering Group are keen to discuss children’s rights and Brexit with politicians, policy makers, NGOs and others who can influence and inform the Brexit negotiations and invitations to these will issue shortly. The Steering Group have also identified a number of particularly vulnerable groups, such as children with disabilities, Traveller children and refugee children, whose voice needs to be heard in the Brexit process. The Steering Group, the OCO and NICCY are working to ensure that representatives of these groups have an opportunity to attend and participate in the event.

What will the outcomes be?

A report on the event will be produced and used to inform and influence the Brexit negotiations.

For further information contact Carmel Corrigan or Laura McFall.