UN Committee on the Rights of the Child Examination 2016

The Ark joins a delegation of over 20 members of the Children's Rights Alliance in Geneva to witness Ireland being examined on its children’s rights record by the UN Committee on the Rights of the Child.

On Thursday 14 January 2016 the UN Committee on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) examined Ireland's children's rights record for the first time in 10 years. The Ark joined a delegation of over 20 fellow members of the Children's Rights Alliance in Geneva to witness the examination.

The Ark has been a member of the Children's Rights Alliance since we opened in 1995. In 2016, as both The Ark and the Alliance turn 21, we welcomed the opportunity to be part of the delegation at the UNCRC examination in line with the spirit of the founding values of The Ark. As a cultural centre for children founded in light of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, we aim to play a leading advocacy role in relation to cultural access for children.

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A Child's Right to Cultural Activity

Article 31 of the UN Convention on the Rights of The Child [1989] – Leisure, recreation and cultural activities states that:

1. State Parties recognise the right of the child to rest and leisure, to engage in play and recreational activities appropriate to the age of the child and to participate freely to cultural life and the arts.

2. State Parties shall respect and promote the right of the child to participate fully in cultural and artistic life and shall encourage the provision of appropriate and equal opportunities for cultural, artistic, recreational and leisure activities.

The very existence of The Ark is based on those principles ratified by The Irish government in 1992. Our mission, vision and values are driven by the principle that children, as citizens, have the same cultural rights as adults. We work with key players in the lives of children; seeking to influence and share our specialist knowledge with teachers, parents, artists, community workers, cultural organisations and policy makers. This is our way of helping to ensure that all children in Ireland have access to high quality cultural experiences.