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NEWS RELEASE
In June, 2000, The Children of Ireland Group (CIG), after reviewing material on sectarian attacks on children and most importantly, punishment beatings, developed and passed a Resolution On Punishment Beatings. This Resolution specifically condemns all punishment beatings of adolescents in Northern Ireland and beseeches all political parties and paramilitary groups to find other alternatives.
The specific resolution is attached. RESOLUTION ON PUNISHMENT BEATINGS
As follow-up to passing this resolution, the Group is personally contacting the political parties in Northern Ireland.
Commenting on the resolution and his recent trip to Northern Ireland, Terry indicated, "Although CIG condemns punishment beatings outright, it is wonderful to see a spark of hope the Community Restorative Justice program brings to Northern Ireland. I appeal to all political parties and paramilitaries to continue their support of this extremely important alternative and consider additional support where needed. The future of Northern Ireland lies in its childrens’ health – not in disabling them … many times for life." Regarding past victims, Terry continued, "It is SO imperative to address past injuries not only to the actual victims, but also their families and friends. While doing so, not only should the physical injuries be addressed but also the mental harm,
especially, by creating many more psychiatric beds for adolescents for not only punishment beatings but also the myriad of current and future mental health needs of the adolescent and do so quickly!" The Children of Ireland Group, Inc. formed in September, 1999 helps purchase recreation equipment and education resources for community centres in Ireland, especially Northern Ireland, working with needy kids and young adults. The Group’s belief is the more recreation and education resources a community center has to help adolescents then the less likely children will tend to gravitate toward gangs, violence, drugs, and as a last resort to conflict and other reasons, commit suicide. All net proceeds of fund raising events go directly to childrens programs along with any individual donations directed to any specific project. CIG also maintains the only known public source of information on daily sectarian attacks on children in Northern Ireland on its website.
The Group is also a membership organization boasting an international interest.
For further information, contact J. Terry Ryan at the above phone number, e-mail address, or direct mail address.
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