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Clearly, formal working relationships will be required between independent offices and the ministers and departments most concerned with children. Regular dialogue and effective communication will be essential to the pursuit of promoting children’s human rights. Whilst independent offices should be ultimately accountable to Parliament, they will need to report regularly to ministers to achieve the following objectives:
Obviously it will be in the interests of children that the relationship between ministers and an independent office is based on respect and commitment to open communication. An effective dialogue will enhance the potential for addressing issues before rather than after they become problems. But it is imperative that such offices are not only free to publish and comment on issues that might be uncomfortable for the minister and government, but are also publicly seen to have that independence. Ministers should have no authority to direct or restrict the activities of such offices The existence of an independent office for children should never become an excuse for inaction by government itself. While the office might agree to help the government to fulfil some specific obligations (for example, dissemination of information about the Convention, data collection on the state of children’s rights), there should be a clear demarcation of roles, with the independent office maintaining its freedom of action and fundamental watchdog role. It should be obvious that these offices must establish direct contacts with children, and must encourage the active participation of children in their work. It is also a requirement of article 12 of the Convention on the Rights of the Child. Various strategies can be suggested to achieve this, and it is clearly important to aim at participation which is representative as far as possible of the overall child population. The Ombudsman or Commissioner may be able to utilise existing participative structures - for example schools councils, or local youth councils. The office could organise local and national forums of children and young people; advisory groups of children, including specialist advisory groups could be formed, for example of adopted children, children in state care, or disabled children. Any such groups could deal either with the office’s overall activities, or with particular projects. There could be particular contacts with any organisations of children, and use of media which are aimed at children. Use of modern information technology - the Internet and e mail connections - may make possible speedy consultation with many children, both individually and through schools and other institutions. |
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Last edited by Barneombudet March 22, 2004 |
