Ombudsman for Children and NI Commissioner co-host a special meeting of ENOC

Cross-border initiative aimed at strengthening and supporting children’s advocates sees European Network of Ombudsmen for Children in Dublin Children’s Ombudsman, Emily Logan, and Northern Ireland Commissioner for Children and Young People, Barney McNeany, are co-hosting a special meeting of the European Network of Ombudsmen for Children (ENOC) in Farmleigh, Dublin on Thursday and Friday (4th and 5th May 2006).

The meeting is being attended by representatives from 20 Ombudsmen for Children’s Offices throughout Europe. It is the first time that such a large group of Ombudsmen for Children has come together in Ireland.

ENOC is a not-for-profit network of independent children’s rights institutions. Its mandate is to:

• promote and safeguard children’s rights across Europe
• promote the establishment of children’s rights institutions worldwide, and
• serve as a forum for the exchange of information, capacity building and professional support among members.

Emily Logan said:

“Since the first Ombudsman for Children’s Office was established in Norway in 1981 the way society regards children and young people has begun to change. There is now a growing consensus internationally about how children and young people should be treated and how their rights should be respected.

“Membership of a strong, independent European network of children’s advocates, and the wealth of experiences that such collective membership offers, can only strengthen each individual office’s ability to promote children’s rights and ensure that children are taken seriously by governments at national level.”

Barney McNeany added:

“Children’s rights are not something that exist exclusively in one area; they span borders, span continents and are relevant to the lives of all children and young people across Europe.

“Today’s event will further strengthen what ENOC members, as experts and advocates for children, can do for and with children to make sure they have their say in the decisions that affect their lives.”

• 4 Bealtaine 2006
• Cineál: Preaseisiúint