Key Issues Relating to Children & Young People

As Northern Ireland emerges from a sustained period of civil conflict it is important to address the needs of our young people.  These needs are varied, including those that are unique to Northern Ireland as well as many that are found throughout the United Kingdom.  It has long been the view of the Progressive Unionist Party that the best way to address these problems was through a wider ‘Conflict Transformation’ package that seeks to overcome the key issues in post conflict Northern Ireland.   In this short submission the PUP will highlight what we believe the key needs are.  We are willing to take part in consultations that aim to find answers.   The Key Issues Education: The ongoing failure of the education system to deliver for a significant proportion of our young people is of grave concern. Drugs and alcohol: As with the rest of the UK young people’s consumption of illegal and legal drugs as well as alcohol is at an unprecedented level. Paramilitary recruitment: Young people continue to be recruited into paramilitary groups in ever greater numbers. Children of former paramilitary prisoners: The children of former paramilitary prisoners are a group with particular needs.  They have had to endure prolonged periods of separation from a parent and now find that they are discriminated against because of their background. Lack of Opportunity: Many children in Northern Ireland are facing a life on government assistance.  This is due to poor education and an absence of meaningful employment opportunities. Sectarianism: Northern Ireland remains a sectarian society.  Whilst they may ‘condemn’ sectarianism the vast majority of political ‘leaders’ exploit it for electoral gain.  This is embedding a sectarian culture into another generation.