In this blog post, Dominika Kuna analyses the experiences of children fleeing conflict and seeking asylum in Europe. She argues that there is a significant disconnect between children’s rights “on paper” and their lived reality. In doing so, she draws on the experiences of children fleeing war in Ukraine. She […]
In this post, young people Ellie May and Isla discuss their experience of being deaf and why the Sign Language Act (Northern Ireland) 2026 is important. They argue that the Act “gives us hope for the future” as it “sends a powerful message that deaf people are capable and deserve […]
Dr Erika Jiménez responds to a blog by Tahera, a young girl from Afghanistan. She explores the impact of discrimination faced by Afghan women and girls on their right to education. She highlights research which connects reduced school attendance with risks to children such as child labour, forced marriage, exploitation, […]
In this blog, Tahera, a young girl from Afghanistan, takes us through the crowded streets of Quetta. She highlights the lives of children who should be in school but instead must work to survive. She describes, for example, a girl selling gajras (flower garlands). Tahera’s blog is a powerful reminder […]
James Kane responds to the post by young person, Brooke, Mental Health Officer of the Secondary Students’ Union of Northern Ireland (SSUNI). In doing so, he discusses the School Uniforms (Guidelines and Allowances) Act (Northern Ireland) 2026. He places the Act in the context of ongoing campaigns by children and […]
In this post, Brooke, Mental Health Officer of the Secondary Students’ Union of Northern Ireland (SSUNI) argues that all girls should be allowed to wear trousers in school. She highlights the work of SSUNI, campaigning for equality in schools and for better school uniform policies. James Kane responds (here) Students […]
Young person, Sarah Martin, writes about her dream for the UNCRC to be incorporated into domestic law in Northern Ireland. She discusses the importance of the UNCRC in articulating children’s rights, supporting her work as a children’s rights defender, and facilitating productive conversations with adults. She emphasises that any attempt […]
Professor Bronagh Byrne responds to a post by young person, Sarah Martin. In doing so, she highlights how the conversation about incorporating the UNCRC is not new in Northern Ireland. However, incorporation in Scotland, contemporary challenges, the clear benefits from incorporation, and a background of children’s rights failures, are all […]
Dr Siobhán McAlister and Dr Gail Neill respond to a post by young person, Rebecca Deane McCann. In doing so, they highlight the relationship between children’s rights and youth work. They argue that funding cuts, short-term funding cycles, and policy delays not only put youth work at jeopardy but also […]
Young person, Rebecca Deane McCann writes about fundings cuts to youth work. She discusses her own experience and questions whether funding cuts ignore children’s rights. Dr Siobhán McAlister and Dr Gail Neill respond (found here). Youth Clubs are only guaranteed funding until June. Does this mean children are only guaranteed […]