Logan attends first meeting of British and Irish Network of Ombudsman and Commissioners for Children

BINOCC collectively protects rights of 14 million children

Ireland’s first Ombudsman for Children, Emily Logan, will join her British counterparts for the first ever meeting of the British and Irish Network of Ombudsman and Commissioners for Children (BINOCC) in Chester, England today (Tuesday).

The purpose of BINOCC is to share information, promote good practice and to advance the rights of children and young people. Emily said:

“There is a growing momentum internationally about a developing respect for children and their right to be treated fairly. I am really pleased to be part of BINOCC. It allows me and my Office access to information and knowledge outside of our own jurisdiction, and to share the Irish experience with my colleagues.”

Since June of this year, every country in the UK and Ireland now has an Ombudsman/Commissioner for Children. Collectively, the five Ombudsmen/Commissioners from Ireland, England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland protect the rights of more than 14 million children and young people under the age of 18*.

Each of the five offices has a similar role and function: they all independently investigate complaints, promote children’s rights and conduct research into issues affecting young people, as well as advising policy makers.

A European Network of Ombudsmen for Children (ENOC) already exits and Emily Logan is also a member of this organisation. ENOC group uses the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child as the basis of its work to affect change for children across Europe. Emily and her BINOCC colleagues will travel to Warsaw later this year to attend the next ENOC meeting.

* Populations of young people under 18: Ireland 1,230,000; England 10,551,140; Wales 662,779; Scotland 1,224,155; Northern Ireland 500,153.

• 16 August 2005
• Type: Press Release