 |
 |
 |
 |
Burstow launches Bill to create a Children's Commissioner for England
June 11, 2003 12:01 AM
Liberal Democrat Frontbench Spokesman on Children Paul Burstow MP will today launch his Bill to establish a Children's Commissioner for England.
Mr Burstow will table a Presentation Bill in the House of Commons to provide an independent advocate for children. His Bill mirrors the functions of Children's Rights Commissioners in Scotland, Wales, and 12 EU countries as well as the recommendations of the Joint Committee on Human Rights and the UN Committee on the Rights of the Child.
Paul Burstow MP said:
"The Government has so far ignored the message from the UN, the EU and now the Commons Joint Committee on Human Rights on the need for a Commissioner for Children to protect their fundamental rights. Ministers' point blank refusal to appoint a Children's Commissioner is putting the lives of the most vulnerable children in society at risk."
"Labour has failed to deliver on its promise to provide real protection for children in England. Without an independent voice, children's rights are treated as an unimportant distraction for Cabinet Ministers. It is time the Government answered public concerns and established a strong advocate for the protection of children's rights."
"ENDS"
"Notes to editors"
"The Bill will be presented at 11.30 on Wednesday 11th June 2003:-"
"Children's Commissioner for England"
"A Bill to establish a Children's Commissioner for England independent from Government to monitor the effectiveness of complaints procedures for children, oversee arrangements for children's advocacy and undertake investigations in matters of principle, where there is concern that children's rights are not being respected; ensure that the work of the Commissioner is compatible with the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child; monitor all legislation to ensure that the needs and interests of children are met; monitor the practice of public agencies and make recommendations for changes in policy and practice to better meet the needs of children; oversee all reviews of child deaths and carry out inquiries into major child abuse and child deaths; and to examine the adequacy of public agencies' practices in terms of their responsibilities for children. "
What would you like to do next?
-
Subscribe for updates
Follow the party's activity on...
- Twitter:
- Liberal Democrats
- Facebook:
- Liberal Democrats
- YouTube:
- Liberal Democrats