UNICEF child friendly status celebrated by youth at Derry event

Children and young people from across the Derry City and Strabane District Council area have marked World Children’s Day with a special event at the Foyle Arena to celebrate their region’s recognition as a UNICEF Child Friendly Community.

The event marks the culmination of a seven-year journey that has placed children’s rights at the heart of local decision-making in Derry and Strabane who are the first Council area in Northern Ireland and only the second in the UK to receive the status.

All four partner organisations: Derry City and Strabane District Council, the Western Health and Social Care Trust, the Education Authority Youth Service, and the Youth Justice Agency were in attendance along with representatives from the awarding body UNICEF UK.

The event was filled with music, performances, and fun activities designed by and for young people, reflecting the inclusive and empowering spirit of the Child Friendly Communities initiative.

Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Councillor Ruairí McHugh, said it was a fitting celebration of what has been a collective effort by the entire community.

“Today’s celebration is all about our young people,” he said. “Their voices, ideas, and energy have driven this journey from the very beginning.

“It’s a moment of pride not just for the Council and our partners, but for every child and young person in the City and District who helped make this recognition possible.

“Together, we are building a region where children feel safe, valued, and empowered to shape the future of their communities.”

UNICEF UK’s Programme Director for Child Friendly Cities and Communities, Naomi Danquah, praised the event as a powerful reflection of Derry and Strabane’s child rights commitment.

“It was inspiring to see children and young people leading the celebrations and showcasing the change they have helped bring about.

“Derry and Strabane’s recognition as a UNICEF Child Friendly Community is built on genuine partnership and participation, and tonight’s event perfectly captured that spirit.”

Representatives from the four local partner organisations also attended, highlighting the collaboration and commitment that have underpinned the journey.

Dr Tom Cassidy, Director of Children and Families at the Western Health and Social Care Trust, said: “This event demonstrated exactly why this recognition matters, it’s about young people being seen, heard, and celebrated.

“The Trust is proud to continue working with our partners to ensure that children’s rights remain at the heart of everything we do.”

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Michael Hogg, Strategic Services Manager with the Education Authority Youth Service, added: “Seeing so many young people take part in this celebration reinforces what we’ve achieved together - a genuine partnership that puts their voices first. It was a joyful reminder of what child-friendly communities can look and feel like.”

The Child Friendly Communities recognition signifies that UNICEF publicly acknowledges the significant and sustainable steps a local area has taken to advance the human rights of children and young people in their city and communities.

For full details on Derry and Strabane’s Journey towards becoming a UNICEF Child Friendly Community including the Annual Report for 2024/25 visit derrystrabane.com/unicef.