Know Your Rights in Care Project | Incorporating the UNCRC into Law

Members of the EPIC Care Community were excited to participate in the Ombudsman for Children’s Office (OCO) conference on incorporating the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) into Irish law. The event, organized by the OCO Youth Advisory Panel, took place at the Irish Museum of Modern Art. It brought together young people, youth workers, and organizations from across the country.

Our involvement in this conference connects directly with our Know Your Rights in Care project. This project, funded by the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth (DCEDIY), is for children and young people in care learn about their rights and find creative ways to express them.

During a visit to the OCO earlier this year, our group learned more about children’s rights and the Ombudsman’s role in protecting them. It was during that visit that we received an invitation to attend this national event to share experiences and help shape future actions.

Ireland ratified the UNCRC in 1992, signaling the State’s agreement to uphold children’s rights. However, without full and direct incorporation into Irish law, these rights do not have complete legal power.

At the conference, young speakers stated that incorporation would ensure:

• Children’s rights are considered from the start of any decision-making process in government and public services.
• Children could seek justice in Irish courts if their rights are violated.
• Adults and institutions would be legally accountable for respecting children’s rights.

We heard about the progress in Scotland, where the UNCRC was incorporated into law in 2023. Children and young people played a leading role in the campaign, showing that meaningful change is possible when young people are at the forefront.

Our group included U18 members of the Limerick Care Community, who travelled to Dublin with Emma Louise (Regional Youth Engagement and Participation Lead) and Ellie (Communications Officer). In Dublin, we met up with two Dublin based members of the Care Community and Thomas (Youth Engagement and Participation Coordinator).

The day started with a warm welcome from the Ombudsman for Children, followed by a keynote speech from youth activist and disability rights campaigner Cara Darmody. Her call to “be brave and imagine a better future; it’s our future” resonated with everyone and set a positive tone for the day.

Throughout the event, young people participated in:

• A storytelling workshop with Fighting Words.
• A drumming session.
• A World Café discussion to share ideas on what incorporation should look like in practice.

There was also a panel discussion and a special session for youth workers with the Ombudsman.

The conference launched Get It Right, a youth-led campaign calling for full incorporation of the UNCRC into Irish law. The campaign aims to ensure that:

• Children’s rights are legally protected.
• Adults consider children’s rights when making decisions.
• Children have clear ways to stand up for their rights if they are violated.

The EPIC Care Community was proud to be part of this important discussion. Young people in care offer valuable insights into how rights are experienced – or not experienced -in daily life. Taking part in national discussions ensures those insights are heard where they can make a real difference.