By Olivia McAteeer

Derry and Strabane has become the first area in Northern Ireland and only the second in the UK to be officially recognised as a UNICEF Child Friendly Community.

This acknowledges the district’s progress in embedding children’s rights across local services, policy and community life. It follows a seven-year partnership between Derry City and Strabane District Council, the Western Health and Social Care Trust, the Education Authority Youth Service and the Youth Justice Agency.

The announcement was made at a ceremony in the Guildhall, where Mayor Ruairí McHugh described it as a momentous day for young people in the region.

“This sends a clear message to all our children and young people that they should feel safe, heard and nurtured, and that their rights are respected by everyone,” Mr McHugh said.

UNICEF UK’s Programme Director for Child Friendly Cities and Communities, Naomi Danquah, praised the district’s “impressive child rights infrastructure” and its commitment to long-term change.

Youth representative Kian Hawes from the North West Ministry of Youth said the recognition ensuredyoung people’s voices were “not just spoken for but listened to.”

The award marks a milestone in a global UNICEF initiative that now reaches over 30 million children in nearly 50 countries. Derry and Strabane’s success reflects its focus on six priority areas, including safety, health, participation and equality.

A community celebration is planned for World Children’s Day on November 20 at the Foyle Arena. More details of the area’s seven-year journey are available at derrystrabane.com/unicef.