NIHR Establishes the Position of Child Rights Commissioner
Eng. Ali Ahmed Al-Derazi, Chairman of the National Institution for Human Rights (NIHR), stated that the NIHR Council of Commissioners agreed to establish the position of “Child Rights Commissioner” that addresses issues facing children, works to protect and promote the best interests of the child, and supports the environmental policy of the child, based on the powers delegated to the NIHR, according to its Establishment Law, which gives it the right to follow-up and monitor all issues related to political, civil, economic, social and cultural human rights, including children's rights.
Al-Derazi explained that the Child Rights Commissioner will be appointed from among the current members of the NIHR Council of Commissioners, as he will have to participate in a number of training programmes and workshops related to the mechanism for dealing with children’s complaints, and be familiar with the national legislation regulating children’s rights, as well as the relevant international instruments. He will also be considered as an independent ambassador for children's rights, ensuring that their views and interests are heard, understanding the issues facing them, protecting and promoting their interests, and supporting the environmental policy of the child.
Al-Derazi added that the Child Rights Commissioner should work to establish partnerships with government agencies, civil society institutions, and relevant regional and international non-governmental organisations, communicate with wide and diverse audiences in society, investigate any matter related to children's rights, including the extent of adequate complaints and support services for children, conduct and follow-up assessments of the impact of children's rights on new policies and legislation, and conduct research and studies related to children's rights, opinions and best interests, and the NIHR Secretariat-General will provide technical and logistical support.
