| Press Releases |
| |
| |
17 February 2010
The Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission has today (17 February 2010) published its response to the Northern Ireland Office (NIO) consultation paper on a Bill of Rights for Northern Ireland.
NIHRC Chief Commissioner Professor Monica McWilliams stated:
“Legislation of such importance is deserving of greater consideration and analysis than appears to have been invested in the NIO consultation paper on a Bill of Rights. As a national human rights institution, the Commission does not accept this as a genuine effort to increase human rights protections in Northern Ireland.”
The NIO consultation paper is an inadequate response to what should be in a Bill of Rights for Northern Ireland. The Commission believes the consultation:
- Demonstrates a lack of understanding of the purpose and functions of a Bill of Rights
- Fails to take appropriate account of international human rights standards
- Appears to be suggesting the lowering of existing human rights standards in Northern Ireland
- Fails to satisfy the minimum common law consultation requirements, and
- Misrepresents the advice given by the Commission
ENDS
Further information
Please contact Claire Martin, Press and Public Affairs Worker on (028) 9024 3987.
Notes to the Editor
- The Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission was established in 1999, by the Northern Ireland Act 1998, to protect and promote the human rights of everyone in Northern Ireland. The powers and functions of the Commission include reviewing law and practice, advising the government, promoting an awareness of human rights and taking cases to court.
- On 10 December 2008, the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission (the Commission) in accordance with Paragraph 4, in the Rights, Safeguards and Equality of Opportunity section, of the Belfast (Good Friday) Agreement, and section 69(7) of the Northern Ireland Act 1998, provided Government with advice on a Bill of Rights for Northern Ireland.
- Access the Commission's response here.
|
| |
 |
|
|
