Abhorrent” use of children “as shields” slammed by NI children’s commissioner

https://www.belfastlive.co.uk/news/abhorrent-use-children-as-shields-31496406

Police say they have "no doubt" Derry disorder involving young people, including petrol bomb attacks on police, was "orchestrated"

The use of children as "shields to protect masked individuals" following a controversial dissident republican parade in Derry has been slammed as "abhorrent" by the children's commissioner for Northern Ireland.

Police came under attack following the Easter Monday parade, which followed a route from the Creggan area of the city to the Bogside, and a senior police officer has said PSNI have "no doubt" the "disorder involving young people was orchestrated".

The Northern Ireland Commissioner for Children and Young People, Chris Quinn, has now described the incident as a "clear act of child abuse and child criminal exploitation

The Commissioner said: “The recent disorder we witnessed in Derry on Easter Monday underscores the critical failure to protect children and young people from exploitation and abuse by paramilitaries.

This situation, which has happened over the last number of years, highlights a range of serious issues affecting our young people, including child criminal exploitation, threats, intimidation, social exclusion, and being coerced into violence.

“These behaviours are utterly unacceptable and must be addressed urgently. Safeguarding our children must be the priority. The focus needs to be on those who have manipulated vulnerable children and young people."

Mr Quinn continued: “I have spoken on numerous occasions when young people have been coerced in this way, and I have visited projects in these communities doing amazing work.

“I’m calling for further investment in educational, community and voluntary sector infrastructure and I’m advising strongly that children are not criminalised.

“Let’s call out those who have orchestrated this violence. To use children as shields to protect masked individuals is abhorrent, disgraceful and a clear act of child abuse and child criminal exploitation."

He added: "It is crucial that adults who engage in the coercion and exploitation of young people are held accountable and an end is put to these despicable acts."

In a statement following the disorder on Monday, Area Commander of Derry City & Strabane Chief Superintendent Gillian Kearney said: "Disorder developed in the area of Nailors Row from around 2.50pm. Petrol bombs, fireworks and masonry were thrown which resulted in nearby Bishop Street (Without) being closed for a time for public safety reasons. Members of the public were diverted away from that area in the City Walls.

"This disorder involving young people was orchestrated. We have no doubt about this."

The senior officer added: "Young people were shamelessly and deliberately used in an attempt to distract from and shield the masked individuals as they took cover in a gazebo following the parade in the area of St. Joseph's Place to change out of their parade clothing.

"This is child criminal exploitation. It is utterly shameful."