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Protection from war

13 – 17

years

old

What does this mean?

How is this right protected in Ireland?

Does every child in Ireland get this right?

What about children who are seeking protection on their own?

What does this mean?

Lots of articles in the UNCRC mention the rights of children affected by war. Article 38 says that governments must make sure that children under the age of 15 do not take part in wars.

If there is a war in your country, you have the right to go to another country to be safe. This is known as seeking asylum or international protection. Article 22 says that the government of the country where you are seeking protection must help you to enjoy all your other rights.

How is this right protected in Ireland?

Ireland is a neutral country which means that it does not take part in wars. You also need to be 18 before you can join the Irish Defence Forces.

Organisations have to follow rules around how they use your data and explain to you clearly what they are doing with it. You can find out more about your rights over your personal data from the Data Protection Commission.

Does every child in Ireland get this right?

Sadly, many children and their rights are still impacted by wars around the world – either as witnesses or victims of violence, or as child soldiers.

James works for the United Nations to put an end to the recruitment of children in armed forces. You can listen to his story to find out how his life was affected after he was abducted into the military in South Sudan before he eventually found his freedom.

What about children who are seeking protection on their own?

If you in Ireland without a parent or guardian, you will be looked after by Tusla. You will be given a social worker who will develop an individual care plan that supports your health and educational needs.

All children under 12 will be placed with a foster care family. Children over 12 will live in a home with other young people where there will be care workers to look after them.

You will be able to apply for International Protection. To do this you will have to have to attend interviews where you will be asked about things like your background, how you travelled to Ireland and why you left your home country. You should be given an interpreter who speaks your language so you can understand and answer all the questions.

Find out what you can do when you’re not getting your rights.