‘Ireland making great strides’

As a former member of the UN Committee on the Rights of the Child, Brent Parfitt spent several years assessing how countries around the world were performing in protecting the rights of children.

The results were a mixed bag. Some countries promised much, but delivered little. In others, children’s lives deteriorated as their economies shrank or governments dragged their heels on key pledges. But he’s encouraged at developments in Ireland over recent years.

The decision to set up a standalone agency for child and family services is encouraging, he says. The work of the Ombudsman for Children is another key milestone. But the decision by people to vote in favour of strengthening children’s rights in the Constitution holds the promise of profound change, he says.

“Things are really exciting now . The right of the voice of the child to be heard and considered in matters affecting them is key. If you just held on to those, you have the basis of a very sound children’s rights agenda over the coming years.

“There are not many countries who have domesticated the convention in the way Ireland has done. The Government, advocates for children’s rights and the population as a whole should be applauded.”

But the hard work, in some respects, has just begun, he says. Changing the Constitution or drafting new laws is one thing; turning lofty rhetoric into hard reality requires unstinting commitment.

“The real challenge is realising the implications of those constitutional amendments and ensuring advocacy organisations are plugged into what we know about the best practice when it comes to the best interests of the child.”

Parfitt, a lawyer by training who went on to become Canada’s deputy ombudsman for children, is well aware of Ireland’s economic difficulties. But he argues that a shortage of resources should not be a barrier to advancing the rights of children.

“Children’s rights need to be put in the context of a country’s economic circumstances. You need a balanced perspective over what’s achievable in a country. While Ireland has had to tighten its belt, my argument is that it that you can always do better with what you’ve got,” he says.

“That can involve better co-ordination between health, education or justice services. Or making sure that existing services for children with disabilities, for example, are as effective as they can be.”

The role of an ombudsman can be crucial in this regard, by highlighting inequities or advising the government on how rights can be strengthened.

“An ombudsman needs to be aware of the social context in which they work and to understand how bureaucracy operates. I’ve been impressed at the work of the Ombudsman in Ireland. I’ve been able to talk to many Government agencies recently and the impression I got was that the position the office has taken on issues has been pragmatic and practical.

“The work of an ombudsman can often involve a healthy tension with the departments it investigates. That’s inevitable. But I’m glad to see there was a healthy respect for the office from everyone I’ve spoken to, and the public seemed to be interested and engaged in its work.”

The amended Constitution and the principles of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child will provide a useful lodestone for future progress in the coming years, he says . The various articles of the convention are much more than abstract branches of human rights law. They are important principles that will have a profound influence on helping children reach their full potential.

He gives the example of a “democratic school” in Denmark where children are involved in decision-making over everything from how the curriculum is taught to what teachers are appointed.

“What amazed me about that school was that the children really enjoyed learning, they were excited about being involved in these decisions . . . there were waiting lists to get into the school. That’s what learning should be like.”

Children’s rights are sometimes portrayed as pitting young people’s rights against adults, or eroding the traditional authority of parental figures. But Parfitt says respect for children’s rights ultimately benefits everyone.

“Children get to learn that not only do we all have rights, but we need to ensure others’ rights are respected; that in society, we all have mutual obligations,” he says.

“Ireland is making some great strides in this regard. The more respect we show for children, the more respect we show for our colleagues. It’s like a huge snowball that builds and builds. The lessons they learn at this age last a lifetime.”