Tanya Ward

Building Children’s Future’s: Using Children’s Rights to Recover from the Global Pandemic explores how key decisions made in Ireland during the pandemic impacted children’s lives.

The research, conducted in part by young people themselves, interviewed 50 children and young people in addition to 13 officials who played a key part in decision making during the pandemic.

It reflects on what Ireland did right and could have done differently to ensure children’s rights were protected during periods of lockdown.

Tanya Ward, chief executive of the Children’s Rights Alliance, said: “We are delighted to join together today with our partners and youth panel to launch the Building Children’s Futures - Children’s Report.

“This research gives us a unique opportunity to see behind the scenes of how decisions were made during the pandemic and the impact prolonged pandemic measures had on children and young people.

“It also brings into focus how we can learn from children and young people’s unique experiences of the pandemic and better protect their rights in future situations where high-stakes decisions are needed. Hearing perspectives relating to a range of areas such as health, mental health, education, early years and sports gives us a clear image of just how vast the impacts were on young people during this time.

“It also points to the need for practical, guiding tools for decision-makers in times of emergency that can support their intention to make the best possible decision that mitigate the risks to all members of our society while focusing on the most vulnerable groups or those that do not have a seat at the table.”