All Children Deserve Equal Care in Ireland

19.7.2009

 All Children Deserve Equal Care in Ireland

The Irish Refugee Council welcomes the Ombudsman for Children’s Office Separated Children living in Ireland report issued today.

The Irish Refugee Council today welcomes the recommendations of the Ombudsman for Children’s Report. John Stanley Chairperson of the Irish Refugee Council said, ‘The Irish Refugee Council believes all children who are in the care of the State deserve equal treatment. The IRC shares the concerns of Ms Logan who has highlighted the lack of professional care for separated children living in Direct Provision Centres particularly at night when those on duty are security staff. We have consistently recommended that Separated Children deserve to be treated as children – this means the provision of care which is appropriate to their needs.’

This significant research is particularly welcome as it focuses on the voices of Separated Children – their own experience. Their stories tell of loneliness, fear and sometimes guilt. The Irish Refugee Council believes that this does not have to be the case.  We welcome the fact that many of the children speak positively of their experience at school and we pay tribute to the many teachers and others in the education system supporting Separated Children.

 On the eve of Universal Children’s Day and the 20th anniversary of UN Convention on the Rights of the Child it is particularly timely to focus on the Human Rights of Separated Children and remember the importance of providing security and protection for Separated Children who are living in Ireland.