Protect and Respect rights of LGBTI+ children

The Ombudsman for Children’s Office is delighted and excited to be taking part in this year’s Pride parade tomorrow (Sat, 24^th June).

While Pride is a time for celebration, it is also an important opportunity to highlight the barriers still in existence and the importance of the ongoing promotion of the rights of LGBTI+ children in Ireland.

Speaking ahead of the parade the Ombudsman for Children, Dr Niall Muldoon said:

“The rights and welfare of LGBTI+ children in Ireland are at risk. LGBTI+ children in this country have been threatened, and in some harrowing cases, they have been harmed. We cannot allow the positive progress of recent times to be jeopardised by a small but loud group of people who do not recognise the rights of LGBTI+ children.

“All children in Ireland should be able to enjoy their rights without discrimination of any kind, including discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity. While Pride is a time of celebration it is also an opportunity to protect, respect and fulfil the rights of LGBTI+ children.

“As part of our monitoring and reporting process to the UN Committee on the Rights of the Child, we surveyed over 5,000 children and one issue that came up repeatedly was equality, with many of the children specifically referencing the treatment of LGBTI+ children.

“It is vital that we protect and respect the rights of all children in Ireland, particularly LGBTI+ children who we know regularly experience discrimination and bullying.”

ENDS

• 23 June 2023
• Topic: Education