Wednesday 22 July 2020
Green Party MLA Rachel Woods has said she is delighted that a Youth Assembly for Northern Ireland will be formed and is looking forward to the expected first meeting of the Assembly, expected next year.
Rachel Woods MLA said: “This is great news for young people across Northern Ireland who will have a chance to be heard on the issues that matter most to them.
“I want to thank the Northern Ireland Children’s Commissioner and other organisations such as Northern Ireland Youth Forum that have worked and lobbied for this.
“The Green Party has worked with organisations to promote the idea of a Youth Assembly for many years and it’s great to see the Northern Ireland Assembly Commission commit to its creation.
“It is more important than ever that young people are involved in the decision making that will shape their lives.
“Covid-19 has had a huge impact on young people - the pandemic has shaken the provision of health, education, employment, our economy and how we socialise and interact with each other.
“There is no clear end point in sight and so young people will continue to be subject to constant change and go unheard as the Executive plots a recovery from this crisis.
“Building back better from the pandemic means taking a participatory approach and giving a voice to young people. I am certainly committed to supporting and working with the Youth Assembly, including through my role on the Justice Committee.
“I’d encourage young people to get involved in the Youth Assembly. Members will be drawn from every constituency and members of Section 75 groups. The NI Assembly will publish details on how the Youth Assembly will be convened shortly and I look forward to engaging with the members on it.”
ENDS