Children and young people from across South Wales had the opportunity to speak directly to First Minister Rhun ap Iorwerth today (14 October) during a visit to the Children’s Commissioner for Wales’s office in Swansea.
The visit brought together young people from a range of organisations (EYST, Ysgol Afon Wen, Mixtup and Hope) to discuss some of the issues having the greatest impact on their lives, including transport, disability rights, child poverty and social care.
The visit began with a meeting between the First Minister and Children’s Commissioner for Wales, Rocio Cifuentes, who discussed the Commissioner’s newly published Annual Report 2025-26. The report reflects concerns raised by children and young people across Wales and sets out recommendations to improve children’s rights and wellbeing.
Young people then joined roundtable discussions with the First Minister and the Commissioner, sharing their personal experiences and describing the changes they would like to see from decision-makers.
Among those taking part were pupils from Ysgol Afon Wen, who spoke about the impact transport issues can have on children’s safety, education and opportunities.
Neveah, a pupil at Ysgol Afon Wen, thanked the First Minister for listening to young people’s experiences.
“Thank you for listening to my voice and understanding the impact the lack of school transport is having on our safety.”
Calon, another pupil from the school, highlighted the importance of accessible transport for disabled children and young people.
“We spoke about what needs to change so disabled children and young people can access school transport and why it’s important that we all have the right to an education.”
The discussions also explored the experiences of disabled children and young people, as well as the support available for young people with experience of the care system.
Rocio Cifuentes, Children’s Commissioner for Wales, said:
“Children and young people are experts in their own lives, and today’s discussions provided an important opportunity for the First Minister to hear directly about the issues that matter most to them. I’m pleased that today young people got to directly exercise their right to be heard, Article 12 of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child.
“Whether talking about transport, disability or experiences of social care, young people shared valuable insights and ideas about how Wales can become a better place for babies, children and young people.”
The First Minister thanked the young people for sharing their experiences and reflected on the Welsh Government’s commitment to improving the lives of babies, children and young people across Wales.
The visit coincided with the publication of the Children’s Commissioner’s Annual Report 2025-26, which calls for action across a range of areas including children’s rights, child poverty, additional learning needs, participation and accountability.
