Northern Ireland: Commissioner challenges rules on antisocialorders

Williams has applied for a judicial review, saying the Northern Ireland Office may be in breach of Article 12 of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, which requires countries to involve children in decisions that affect their lives.

Consultation on draft legislation closed on 11 June. A spokesperson for the Northern Ireland Office said: "A range of organisations were consulted, including those representing children and those with a particular interest in children's issues."

Linda Kerr, head of legal and complaints for the commissioner, said the commission had asked for the consultation period to be extended, but that the extra week was insufficient. She expressed fears that the legislation could exacerbate antisocial behaviour. "We are concerned at how little the draft legislation has taken account of our concerns that the orders will be counterproductive in tackling antisocial behaviour," she said.