A CHILD’S PERSPECTIVE ON VIOLENCE, CONFLICT, AND JUSTICE
Across the world, children and young people in marginalised communities face profound challenges. Those involved in systems of violence, care, or criminal justice often experience discrimination, social exclusion, and limited access to essential support. In post-conflict societies like Northern Ireland, these difficulties are heightened by the lingering legacy of conflict. A key issue is the lack of representation of these young voices in policymaking, particularly in areas involving justice, violence, and social care.
Researchers at Queen’s University Belfast, particularly Dr. Siobhán McAlister, have dedicated their work to capturing the often-ignored experiences of these young people. Her research focuses on crucial areas such as violence against children, the enduring impact of conflict, and the criminal justice and care systems affecting youth.
Research Challenge
ADDRESSING SYSTEMIC INJUSTICES FOR VULNERABLE YOUTH
A pressing issue in Northern Ireland is the minimum age of criminal responsibility (MACR), currently set at just 10 years old—one of the lowest in Europe. This policy disproportionately affects the most marginalised children, who are more likely to become entangled in the criminal justice system, leading to severe long-term consequences. These outcomes include social exclusion, mental health issues, and educational setbacks.
Despite growing evidence of the harm caused by such early criminalisation, progress in raising the MACR has been slow, hindered by political reluctance and a lack of public consensus. Dr. McAlister’s research has sought to challenge these systemic injustices, advocating for policies that protect and uphold the rights of children. In particular, she has worked with non-governmental organisations (NGOs) to support reforms that would raise the MACR, ensuring a fairer system for vulnerable youth in Northern Ireland.
Our Approach
MARGINALISED VOICES
Dr. Siobhán McAlister employs participatory research methods, ensuring that the lived experiences of marginalised children and young people are central to her findings. By conducting in-depth interviews, focus groups, and collaborating with youth organisations, she gives voice to the personal and often traumatic experiences of young people affected by violence, the care system, and criminal justice processes
One of Dr. McAlister’s significant contributions has been through her work with the Raise the Age Campaign, advocating for increasing the MACR in Northern Ireland. In partnership with NGOs, she gathered compelling evidence from young people, legal experts, and child protection professionals to make a strong case for raising the MACR. Her research illuminates the long-term harm caused by early involvement in the criminal justice system, particularly the lasting effects of social exclusion and the impact on mental well-being.
Dr. McAlister has also conducted influential research commissioned by The Executive Office on gender-based violence, focusing particularly on the experiences of girls and young women. This research was crucial in shaping the Strategic Framework to End Violence Against Women and Girls (2024-31) in Northern Ireland, ensuring that the voices of young women were considered in policy decisions aimed at combating gender-based violence..
"The voices of children and young people are often missing in discussions that shape policies affecting their lives. By placing their experiences at the forefront, we can advocate for more just, compassionate, and effective solutions to the challenges they face."
- Dr. Siobhán McAlister
What impact did it make?
SHAPING POLICY AND PUBLIC DISCOURSE
Dr. McAlister’s research has had a significant policy impact, especially in Northern Ireland. Her work was instrumental in informing the Strategic Framework to End Violence Against Women and Girls (2024-31). By ensuring that the voices and experiences of young women were at the core of this framework, Dr. McAlister has helped drive policies that focus on eliminating violence against women and girls.
In the area of criminal justice, her ongoing collaboration with the Raise the Age Campaign has sparked debates within the Northern Ireland Assembly and garnered public attention. Her evidence-based approach is helping shift political attitudes toward increasing the MACR, advocating for rights compliant treatment of children within the justice system.
Dr. McAlister’s work has also expanded public discussions about paramilitarism and the legacy of conflict in Northern Ireland. By focusing on the often-overlooked experiences of children and women, her research has drawn attention to the gendered and generational impacts of violence, calling for inclusive peacebuilding policies that address the needs of these groups.
Our impact
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.
