Koulla Yiasouma

Ms Yiasouma is an established leader in the area of children’s rights and youth justice and previously served as Northern Ireland’s commissioner for children and young people from 2015 to 2023.

She is the former director of Include Youth, a rights-based organisation working with young people involved in the criminal justice and care systems in Northern Ireland.

She is also the chair of the board of management of the Oberstown Children’s Detention Campus.

Ms Yiasouma will succeed Ian Power, who stepped down as chair of the advisory council to take up a new role earlier this year.

Norma Foley, the minister for children, disability and equality, said: “I am delighted to appoint Koulla Yiasouma to this important role.

“The actions set out for government in Young Ireland pave the way towards improving the lives of children and young people; I know that Koulla’s guidance and experience will help to ensure an emphasis on children’s rights in the implementation of policies that affect them.

“I would also like to thank Ian Power for his work with the advisory council.”