Junior ministers at the office of first minister and deputy first minister, Denis Haughey and Dermot Nesbitt, launched the paper in Belfast on Thursday.

They urged everyone with an interest in children's affairs to make their views known during the public consultation period which continues until 8 November.

"The executive wants to ensure that it is at the leading edge of best practice in protecting children's rights," said Mr Haughey.

"The principles of inclusion, equality, human rights and citizenship are central to what we do, and we are committed to ensuring that these principles are applied to the children and young people.''

We must recognise children as citizens in their own right and ensure that conditions exist to enable them to enjoy a happy, safe and secure childhood Denis Haughey MLA

Children's charity Barnardos welcomed the consultative document and said it "marked the progress made by both the executive and the assembly in establishing this important post for our children".

Ulster Unionist assembly member Mr Nesbitt said the commissioner would promote and protect children's rights and ensure children had a voice in local government.

"We want to receive as wide a range of views as possible, all of which will be considered very carefully before final decisions are taken on the commissioner's role," he said.

An interdepartmental steering group has been established to consider the issues and research is also being conducted in the Irish Republic, the UK, and Scandinavia.

Happy childhood

The SDLP assembly member, Mr Haughey, highlighted the importance of hearing young peoples opinions on the role of a children's commissioner.

He said: "It has often been said that children are our future, but they are first and foremost a very important part of our present.

"We have a duty to recognise the value and importance of childhood and family life.

"We must recognise children as citizens in their own right and ensure that conditions exist to enable them to enjoy a happy, safe and secure childhood."

Dermot Nesbitt: "Commissioner will be impartial"

Mr Nesbitt added: "The Commissioner for Children will act as a completely impartial and influential champion for children, and the executive is also committed to bringing forward a 10 year strategy for children and young people.

"This will put mechanisms in place to ensure children's rights and needs are co-ordinated, monitored and promoted within government.

"While it is important that we have the right legislation and policies in place, children need more than just strong legislation on their side.

"They need a champion - a strong independent voice to protect their rights and represent their interests."

Special versions of the consultation document have been produced for children and for teachers and facilitators and distributed to schools and the youth sector.