More about UNICEF UK

• How can I find out more about Child Rights?

  All children and young people have human rights. These are set out in an international agreement called the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC).
  
  The Convention has 54 articles that cover the rights that all children everywhere are entitled to, and how adults and governments must work together to make sure children can enjoy all their rights. 
  
  Watch the two-minute video Introducing Childrens Rights from NICCY – Northern Ireland Commissioner for Children and Young People
   

• What is a child friendly city (CFC)?

  The UK Committee for UNICEF (UNICEF UK) Child Friendly Cities and Communities Programme works with Councils and their partners to put Child Rights into Practice. 
  In Derry City and Strabane District we have a mix of City and Rural areas so are working towards UNICEF UK Child Friendly Community status. 

  In a Child Friendly Community all Children and Young People...

  • Have a say when things affect their lives. 
  • Are supported to give their views freely.
  • Access good health, education, transport, and other support.
  • Feel safe and protected from unfair treatment and harm. 
  • Can enjoy public places and meet other children freely.
  • Enjoy a clean and safe place to live.  
• Derry and Strabane’s key achievements and impact
  Together with our partners, we’ve reached some amazing milestones that has helped in our Recognition as Child Friendly City and Community
  
  Youth Participation & Leadership

  • We set up a new group called the North West Ministry of Youth, where young people share their ideas directly with decision-makers.
  • Young people helped create a Youth Manifesto, setting out what matters most to them.
  • A Participation Toolkit was made to help adults include young people’s voices when planning for the future.

  
  Training & Learning

  • Over 400 staff have been trained in Children’s Rights, so they can make sure those rights are part of everything they do.
  • 55 staff completed special Engagement and Participation training to help them work better with young people.
  • We’re using the Lundy Model of Participation to make sure young people’s voices are heard in real and meaningful ways.
  • Staff now have ongoing learning opportunities to keep building their knowledge about children’s rights.

  
  Putting Rights into Practice

  • Children’s Rights are now part of how we fund projects, choose partners, and plan services.
  • We’ve created a Participation Policy – the first council in Northern Ireland to do this!
  • We’re also developing a Child Rights Accountability Framework so we can keep track of how well we’re doing.

  
  Health & Wellbeing

  • We launched the Youth Wellness Web, Text a Nurse, and Child-Friendly CAMHS to make it easier to get support for mental health and wellbeing.
  • We’ve also brought more mental health campaigns to schools and youth groups to raise awareness and support each other.

  
  Inclusive Spaces & Play

  • Our Play Plan makes sure every child can enjoy safe, fun, and inclusive play areas – no matter their background or ability.
  • Children with disabilities helped co-design accessible spaces, so everyone can play and take part.

  
  Communication & Awareness

  • We’re sharing more child-friendly information, like Youth Justice Agency publications and the Child Rights Defenders Programme in two languages.
  • We’re using Child Rights Impact Assessments to check how new ideas and decisions affect young people.

  And we’re spreading more positive stories about children and young people across social media, newspapers, and communities!
• Why are Child Rights important throughout a child’s life?

  This two minute video explains why

• If Child Rights are not respected what should I do?

  ASK REE is a chatbot designed to answer questions about your rights. Giving you confidential advice and putting you in contact with someone to talk to if you feel that would help.

  

  The Northern Ireland Commissioner for Children and Young People (NICCY) promotes the rights of children and young people. You can seek advice and make a complaint if you feel your rights have not been respected.

  

  Find out more
   

   

   

• So what now for Derry & Strabane?
  As a recognised Child Friendly Community, Derry City and Strabane District is committed to a future where children’s rights are central to every aspect of civic life.
  This means we want our area to be a place where children and young people are respected, listened to, and included in decisions that affect them.
  We believe that everyone should understand and respect children’s rights. We want children and young people to have a real say in how their community works and to be seen as important citizens who help shape the future.
  
  We’re working with adults, organisations, and schools to make sure children’s voices are heard and acted on. By working together in this way, we can make lasting changes that make our community fairer and better for every child and young person
• More details and resources on Child Rights

  1. Find out more about the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child and access the child friendly resources kit. The Convention on the Rights of the Child: The children’s version | UNICEF

  2. Find out more about Child Rights in Northern Ireland

  3. 1. NICCY (Northern Ireland Commission for Children and Young People

  4. 2. Childrens Law Centre  

  5. Watch the Global Teachers Prize video. What are Child Rights? (6-minute watch)

   

  4. Find out more about the UNICEF UK Child Friendly Communities

  5. Learn more about a Child Rights Based Approach

  6. Learn more about Child Rights Impact Assessments

  7. Get top tips on Child Rights in the New Normal which covers the 8 topics outlined below.

  Further Reading

  • Access to information and services

  • Mental health

  • The climate crisis

  • Children at risk -

  • Housing

  • Children in contact with the law-

  • Emergency planning

  • Play and the built environment

• Get in Touch

  Derry & Strabane
  If you are interested in finding out more about the UNICEF UK Child Friendly Communities in Derry and Strabane, please contact [email protected] 
  
  UNICEF UK
  
  For more information about Child Friendly Cities and Communities get in touch with the team at [email protected] 
   

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