UNCRC Review Process

Implementing the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC)

When Ireland ratified the UNCRC, it agreed to implement these rights in full and to be assessed periodically on its progress in implementing these rights. Ireland, like all other states are expected to submit regular progress reports and agree to an oral examination by members of the UN Committee on the Rights of the Child.

Why is the Review Process important?

The UN Review Process creates a unique opportunity for constructive dialogue between the UN, the Irish Government, the young people of Ireland, and civil society on children’s rights in Ireland. The review process has led to significant improvements for children and young people in Ireland. Read the new Simplified Reporting Procedures. Each time Ireland has been reviewed by the Committee it has resulted in key developments such as the launch of a longitudinal study (Growing Up in Ireland) and the introduction of Ireland’s First National Children’s Strategy.

The Review Process

State Report: Ireland submits a periodic report that outlines their achievements and progress under the rights contained in the Convention. The State Report is submitted to the UN Committee on the Rights of the Child. It is also reviewed by civil society organisations, including the Children’s Rights Alliance.

Parallel Report: To inform its work, the Committee also accepts reports, known as ‘Parallel Reports’, from civil society groups. The Children’s Rights Alliance submits an independent report on behalf of its membership and civil society. Children and young people also submit their own report, the ‘Children’s Report’, as part of this process.

You can read our latest Parallel Report here.

UNCRC Dialogue: Pre-sessional hearings are held in Geneva by the UN Committee on the Rights of the Child. Civil society organisations, who work on the frontline, attend the pre-sessional hearing to outline the key issues facing children and young people at that time. Following this, a two-day hearing is held by the UN Committee at which a State Delegation engages in a constructive dialogue with the Committee. The Committee publishes their Concluding Observations following this hearing.