About Us
The Children and Young People’s Unit (CYPU) is a branch within the Good Relations and Reconciliation Division. The unit was established to ensure that the rights and needs of children and young people living in Northern Ireland are given a high priority.
Our main responsibilities include:
- Overseeing the implementation and subsequent evaluation of 'Our Children and Young People - Our Pledge - A ten year strategy for children and young people in Northern Ireland 2006-2016'
- Sponsoring and monitoring the Commissioner for Children and Young People for Northern Ireland
- Supporting the Junior Ministers in their responsibilities in relation to children and young people's issues
- Developing a Play and Leisure Policy and associated Implementation Plans for 0-11 year olds and 12-18 year olds
- Co-ordinating the response on behalf of the devolved administration (all NI government departments) to the UN Committee on the Rights of the Child and monitoring departmental responses to the Concluding Observations
- Co-ordinating responses on behalf of the devolved administration (all NI government departments) in relation to international human rights instruments which relate specifically to children
- Liaising with government departments and similar Units in England, Scotland, Wales and the Republic of Ireland as well as academics and children's organisations