Research at Queen's University and the Global Context  

The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) is the most widely ratified human rights treaty, with 196 countries committed to upholding children's rights. Despite its widespread acceptance, the translation of the UNCRC into effective domestic law and policy varies significantly. Since 2011, Professors Laura Lundy and Bronagh Byrne from Queen’s University Belfast have led a research programme aimed at improving the legal implementation of children’s rights, particularly in Northern Ireland (NI). Their work has been pivotal in shaping policy and legislation, with impacts extending from NI to the global stage. 

Bridging the Gap Between Ratification and Legal Enforcement

While the UNCRC is globally ratified, its effective implementation remains inconsistent, with many countries failing to fully integrate children's rights into their legal frameworks. In Northern Ireland, despite the formal recognition of children's rights, there has been a lack of effective government delivery, hindering the practical realization of these rights. The research led by Lundy and Byrne sought to identify and address the structural barriers to implementing children’s rights in NI and to explore how these rights could be better protected through legal and policy frameworks. 

Identifying Barriers and Proposing Solutions

Analyzing Barriers to Children's Rights in Northern Ireland

In 2011, the Northern Ireland Commissioner for Children and Young People (NICCY) commissioned Byrne and Lundy to analyze the barriers to effective government delivery of children’s rights. Their research revealed significant obstacles, including fragmented policy development and lack of coordination among government bodies. They recommended a consistent application of a children's rights framework in policymaking and the introduction of a statutory duty to cooperate across government departments. 

Enhancing Stakeholder Engagement and Knowledge Exchange

Building on their initial findings, Byrne and Lundy received an ESRC Knowledge Exchange grant in 2012 to further their research and engage with stakeholders across NI’s children's sector. This culminated in a report outlining legislative options for NI, including the proposal for a statutory duty on government bodies to cooperate.

Developing a Framework for Interagency Collaboration

In 2015, further research by Byrne, Lundy, and Dr. Lisa Maguire focused on evaluating the effectiveness of interagency collaboration in delivering services for children. They identified 11 key elements necessary for successful joint working, highlighting the need for a statutory duty to cooperate, supported by robust implementation mechanisms.

Global Comparative Study on UNCRC Implementation

Lundy, Byrne, along with Professor Ursula Kilkelly and other international collaborators also conducted a comparative study of 12 countries to assess the global implementation of the UNCRC. Commissioned by UNICEF UK, this research found that countries with systematic legal incorporation of the UNCRC and effective enforcement mechanisms were better at protecting children’s rights. This analysis has significantly influenced policy discussions and legislative initiatives in the UK and beyond.

"The reports have informed the development of the Children and Young People’s Strategy and were also used to inform the guidance which was developed by the Department to support the children’s authorities in achieving the requirements of the Act. In this way, they have helped to shape government policy and strategy and influenced working practice and processes within the children’s authorities."

- Head of the Children and Young People’s Strategy Team  - NI Executive 

Influencing Legislation and Policy 

Shaping the Children’s Services Cooperation Act in Northern Ireland

The research directly informed the creation of The Children’s Services Cooperation Act (2015), which requires all government departments and public bodies in Northern Ireland to collaborate in delivering children’s services. This legislation addressed the barriers to effective government delivery identified by Byrne and Lundy.

Influencing Policy Across Government Departments

Their work has also shaped key policy documents, such as the updated Children and Young People’s Strategy by the Department for Communities in 2016, and informed guidance by the NI Department of Education. These policies adopted the 11 key elements for effective cross-departmental working identified by Byrne, Lundy, and Maguire.

Gaining International Recognition and Informing Global Debates

The research has gained international recognition, particularly from UNICEF, for its impact on legislative developments in Scotland and Jersey. Lundy’s involvement in advising the Scottish Government was pivotal in the introduction of the UNCRC (Incorporation) Bill, demonstrating the global relevance of their work.

Advancing Global Advocacy and Legislative Efforts

The findings have also been used by UNICEF UK to advocate for the incorporation of children's rights into law across the UK, influencing ongoing debates and legislative efforts. 

Impact related to the UN Sustainable Development Goals

Learn more about Queen’s University’s commitment to nurturing a culture of sustainability and achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through research and education.