Young People's Participation in a New Northern Ireland Society

Abstract

This article examines the extent to which young people are given the opportunity to contribute to the rebuilding of Northern Irish society in the postconflict situation. It recounts the conflict's effects on the lives of children and young people and evidence that suggests that young people have not felt part of the political process in the past. We then examine arguments about citizenship for children and young people using a children's rights perspective. We provide new evidence of the extent to which the rhetoric of the past has translated into young people being allowed to participate in Northern Irish society. Finally, we identify lessons for Northern Ireland from international models of participation that help young people demonstrate their potential for responsible citizenship, and we look at the potential for increased participation by youth in the political structures emerging in the wake of the Belfast Good Friday Agreement of 1998.