Clwyd West MS Darren Millar has called for reassurances from the Welsh Government over the recent appointment of a new Children’s Commissioner for Wales and alleged links to antisemitism.

Rocio Cifuentes has been chosen as the new Children’s Commissioner for Wales and will take up the position in April when Sally Holland’s tenure as Commissioner ends, however concerns have been raised about her background.

Raising these concerns in a meeting of the Welsh Parliament this week, he said:

“I note that, on the Business Statement for next week, there is due to be a statement from the Minister for Social Justice on the occasion of Holocaust Memorial Day, which is coming up very soon.

“You will also be aware of the concerns that have been raised about the recent appointment of the Children's Commissioner here in Wales, and potential associations with antisemites and attendance at antisemitic rallies.

“I do think that we need some assurances from the Welsh Government about this particular appointment of Rocio Cifuentes, and I think that next week's statement on Holocaust Memorial Day provides an opportunity for that.”

Responding, the Trefnydd, Lesley Griffiths MS, said:

“ I wasn't aware of any concerns, and, obviously, a written statement was made by the First Minister in relation to that appointment, but I'm sure the Minister for Social Justice will have heard your comments.” 

Darren added:

 “The Children’s Commissioner acts as a watchdog for children's rights, looking at decisions taken by public bodies including Welsh Government, and represents children from all walk of life.

“The fact that there have been recent reports that she attended a protest in Swansea at which there were allegedly calls for Jews to be killed is therefore extremely worrying and we need assurances from the Welsh Government that appointing her to this top job was the right thing to do.”