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Language, culture and religion

13

– 17

years

old

What does this mean?

How is this right protected in Ireland?

Did you know? 

John’s story

Does every child in Ireland enjoy this right?

What does this mean?

It’s your right to practice your own culture, language and religion, or any you choose, according to Article 30 of the UNCRC.

This means you must be allowed to speak your own language and follow your family’s way of life, if you want to. 

Article 14 says it’s your right to choose your own religion and beliefs, and your parent(s)/guardian(s) should help you decide what’s best for you. 

How is this right protected in Ireland?

There are laws in Ireland that protect this right.

Article 44 of the Constitution says that you have the right to practice any religion in Ireland. This means you must be free to go to mass, to the Mosque, to service, to temple, or have some available space near you to practice your religion. 
The Equal Status Acts 2000 say that you should be free to practice your language, culture and religion without being discriminated against.

John’s story

Hi, I’m John and me and my family are Travellers. My culture means we move around a lot and we don’t always live in one place. Because of this, the Government has to give us special halting sites, like places in each county where we can camp our mobile home. They should be safe and clean for us to live in and have services there to support us. That way, we get our right to quality housing and our right to practice our culture.

Does every child in Ireland enjoy this right?

For children who have come from another country, there may not always be suitable spaces for them to pray or practice their culture. They may also find it hard to find information in their language.
Traveller and Roma children also face barriers in accessing a safe home that supports their culture. 
All of these groups can experience discrimination because of their language, culture or religion too. 

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7-12 years old

13-17 years old