Knockevin trio call for better healthcare at children’s day

Knockevin trio call for better healthcare at children’s day

4 December 2019

THREE students from Knockevin Special School in Downpatrick called for the right to get the best possible healthcare at a summit on World Children’s Day.

Shannon McInerney, Sean Rooney and Kathleen O’Hare made a presentation to a panel of representatives from five political parties and an invited audience on the universal and distinct rights that apply to all children. 

They focused on their right to the best possible healthcare, under Article 24 of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC), at the event organised by the Northern Ireland Commissioner for Children and Young People (NICCY.

The event marked World Children’s Day and the 30th anniversary of the UN Convention.

The summit at W5 in Belfast was part of an international day of action to allow children an opportunity to engage with local decision makers on the issues that matter most.

 The NICCY Youth Panel, set up to advise the Commissioner in her day-to-day work and advocate for children’s rights in Northern Ireland selected speakers from three primary schools, four post-primary schools and one special school to present at the Summit. 

Delegates included more than 100 children and young people and senior figures from across government and the statutory, community and private sectors who debated the issues.

The students from Knockevin told the panel: “As a rights respecting school, one of the issues we talk about most at student council is our mental health. Access to good healthcare is a right but some of us face real problems. We don’t think enough is done to support children’s mental health, especially children with disabilities. Some of our classmates can’t talk for themselves but we make sure we speak for them all.

 “Our school has a great counsellor but she is only with us one half-day a week and this is only for post-primary pupils. We think everyone should be able to talk to her, not just once you are age 11.”

Koulla Yiasouma, NI Commissioner for Children and Young People said: “The right to participate and be heard is central to the Convention and this landmark anniversary was a great opportunity for Shannon, Sean and Kathleen to appeal directly to our decision makers. 

“They spoke with passion and conviction about how they will continue to promote children’s rights and campaign for all children and young people to realise their right to the best possible healthcare.”