NICCY FOLLOW UP
The Celtic League has once again written to the Commissioner for children in N Ireland following up on earlier concerns expressed (see Celtic News link below).
The latest initiative follows correspondence from the Commissioner (text below):
Northern Ireland Commissioner for Children and Young People
Ms Patricia Lewsley
NICCY
Millennium House
17-25 Great Victoria Street
Belfast
BT2 7BA
22/04/11
Dear Ms Lewsley,
I write further to your letter (NICCY ref: 201 100008) responding to our correspondence of the 1st instance.
I note that you indicate that you `have noted the concerns' expressed in our letter. I am sorry this is just not good enough.
The Celtic League took on board the concerns you had highlighted in relation to the militarization of children. We pointed out however the inconsistency of adopting such a stance when military cadet forces openly operate and are encouraged in the State (area) for which you are responsible.
We drew your attention to the fact (paragraph 3 of our letter) to the fact that participation in the military cadet forces involves young people in contact with and life firing of weapons.
In its concluding observations after the most recent report of the United Kingdom to the Committee on the Rights of the Child the UNCRC were unequivocal about the involvement of children with weaponry saying (section 27):
The Committee encourages that the handling and use of firearms is abolished for all children in line with the spirit of the Optional Protocol.
As indicated we are disappointed with the lack-lustre stance adopted by NICCY in relation to this and will be raising our concerns directly with the CRC.
Yours sincerely
J B Moffatt (Mr)
Director of Information
Related article on Celtic News here:
J B Moffatt (Mr)
Director of Information
Celtic League
29/04/11
The Celtic League has branches in the six Celtic Countries. It works to promote cooperation between these countries and campaigns on a broad range of political, cultural and environmental matters. It highlights
human rights abuse, monitors all military activity and focuses onm socio-economic issues.
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