Note:One in Four's content is accessible to all versions of every browser. However, this browser may not support basic Web standards, preventing the display of our site's design details. We support the mission of the Web Standards Project in the campaign encouraging users to upgrade their browsers.

 
 

Call for broad amendment on rights of children

A children's rights amendment to the Constitution must involve a broad referendum on children's rights, and not just deal with the protection of children from sexual predators, according to the Children's Ombudsman.

Emily Logan was speaking to journalists at the annual conference of the European Network of Ombudsmen for Children in Dublin yesterday. She stressed she would be very interested in the recommendations of the Oireachtas committee that is at present considering the issue.

Referring to an amendment on children's rights, she said the question was how do we decide on what are the best interests of the child. Her office would be making recommendations to the Oireachtas on how to determine the best interests of the child, she said.

Asked for her views on whether children can be sufficiently protected from sexual exploitation by legislative change, in the light of the Supreme Court decision striking down absolute criminal liability for sex with underage girls, she said she wanted to see the best possible protection.

"A lot of people involved in the debate want the same thing. I want a law that will be strong and robust and will stand up to challenge, and where everyone's rights are upheld," she said.

Asked about unaccompanied minors coming into the country, she said they were much more vulnerable and did not get the care that Irish children do.

Carol Coulter, Legal affairs Editor

More story at-http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/ireland/2008/0904/1220372094702.html

© 2008 The Irish Times

 
 

Contact information

Support and resources for people who have experienced sexual abuse and/or sexual violence.