The Commission is recognised as a member of the worldwide network of national institutions for human rights, a 'national human rights institution' or NHRI, although it operates at sub-national level. It came into existence on 1 March 1999. It was created by section 68 of the Northern Ireland Act 1998, in compliance with a commitment made by the UK Government in the Belfast (Good Friday) Agreement of 10 April 1998.

 

The Commission has a full-time Chief Commissioner (currently Professor Monica McWilliams, who succeeded the first holder of that office, Professor Brice Dickson, in 2005. There is a variable number of part-time commissioners (currently nine).

 

The NIHRC's role is to promote awareness of the importance of human rights in Northern Ireland, to review existing law and practice and to advise the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland and the Executive of the Northern Ireland Assembly on what legislative or other measures ought to be taken to protect human rights in Northern Ireland.

 

 

In addition, the Commission is able to conduct investigations, and now has powers to enter places of detention, and to compel individuals and agencies to give oral testimony or to produce documents, through the Justice and Security Act 2007.

 

The Commission also has the power to assist individuals when they are bringing court proceedings, to intervene in proceedings and to bring court proceedings itself. It receives enquiries from people who believe that their human rights have been violated, and provides training and information on human rights.

 

 

 

The Commission maintains a register of interests of commissioners and senior managers, which is updated annually or when changes occur.  The current register can be downloaded below.

 

Register of interests of Commissioners and senior managers 2009-10 - updated March 2010 PDF File - 42.68 KB