December 2025
2025 has been an incredible year for the Youth Assembly! From major events to new beginnings, our Members have been busy learning, sharing, and shaping the future. Here’s a look at what’s been happening this month…
Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission - Annual Human Rights Statement
On 8 December, Youth Assembly Members (YAMs) attended the launch of the NIHRC’s Annual Human Rights Statement at Parliament Buildings.
The statement provides a detailed assessment of the state of human rights in Northern Ireland. The event was opened by Alyson Kilpatrick, Chief Commissioner of the NIHRC, who presented the report. A keynote address was delivered by David Anderson (Lord Anderson of Ipswich KBE KC).
You can read the report here: https://nihrc.org/assets/uploads/publications/NIHRC-Annual-Statement-2025-Tagged.pdf
Youth Assembly Members pictured with David Anderson (Lord Anderson of Ipswich KBE KC) and Alyson Kilpatrick, Chief Commissioner of the NIHRC in the Long Gallery at Parliament Buildings, 8 December 2025.
Training for New Youth Assembly Members
Training is well underway for our newest Members! Following their induction day in November, YAMs joined an online session with the Assembly’s Education Service for a crash course in how the Assembly works.
From committees to plenaries, Bills to elections, our Members are now equipped with the knowledge they need to step confidently into their roles.
Want to learn more about how the Assembly works? Explore the resources on the Education Service website: https://education.niassembly.gov.uk/
Youth Assembly Members joined a ‘Politics Crash Course’ meeting hosted by the Education Service online.
Youth Assembly Member Blogs
This month, it’s all about our new Members! Hear directly from Imogen, Ethan, Jack, Isabella and Neala as they share their experiences of joining the Youth Assembly and reflect on their journey so far.
You can read their blogs now on our website: https://niyouthassembly.org/yam-blogs/
YAM TV
A brand new episode of YAM TV was filmed during the induction event. Catch all the highlights and see what went on behind the scenes by clicking on this link:
Big Youth Survey
On 1 December, we launched our Big Youth Survey and the response was fantastic! Over 1700 young people aged 12–21 shared their views on what the Youth Assembly should focus on during its two-year mandate.
Their voices will help shape the future. At the next plenary in January, YAMs will vote on the top three issues to form their committees.
A full survey report will be published on our website in January – keep an eye on our socials for updates!
Youth Assembly Members during their online induction meeting on Tuesday 11 November.
Coming Up
24 January – First Plenary for new YAMs
February – Committee Planning Day
That’s a wrap for December and for 2025. Thank you to everyone who has supported and participated in the Youth Assembly this year. Here’s to more ideas, voices, and positive change in 2026!
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