The Northern Ireland Assembly is looking at the appointment of a Commissioner for Children. Last week, Trond Waage, who holds a similar post in Norway visited the Province. Children's Express went to find out about the Norwegian experience.
| If children are used as a resource in development and change, something completely different could be created. |
Norwegian Ombudsman for Children Trond Waage has not doubts that the appointment of a Commissioner for Children can only be a good thing. He is equally certain that it will benefits to the whole community and could provide lessons for other countries like their own.
He said: "I feel there is a strong, positive momentum in Northern Ireland now to create something new. If children are used as a resource in development and change, something completely different could be created. In Norway, we hope to learn from Northern Ireland's model in terms of consultation with young people, which is so important when shaping such an office."
Mr Waage, who met Assembly representatives and voluntary organisations to discuss issues related to setting up a Children's Commissioner Office in the Province, said: "Northern Ireland could be a pilot in Europe and create a good Commission for Children, which is proactive, respectful and takes the voices of children seriously. It can put their views forward to the public and the politicians."
Young people have a serious role to play in the designing and shaping of government policy, he added.
"A Children's Commissioner should be in contact with children, be trustworthy and available for all children, no matter what sector. The Commission should avoid becoming a new bureaucracy, which is hidden away from children, who are the real resources of the future."
The Norwegian Parliament set up the Ombudsman for Children, 20 years ago. Mr Waage is Norway's third Ombudsman for Children. The office promotes legislative change on behalf of young people and acts as a children's rights watchdog. Young Norwegians can contact the Ombudsman directly through a website or free telephone hotline, which receives about 160 calls a day.
About the team
This article was produced by Orlaith Graham Wood, 12 and Thomas Kielty, 15. It was published in the News Letter in Northern Ireland.
