Part 1 - Advice on a Bill of Rights for Northern Ireland

At an event in Belfast on 10 December marking International Human Rights Day, Chief Commissioner, Professor Monica McWilliams, presented Minister Paul Goggins MP with our advice to Government on a Bill of Rights for Northern Ireland.

The Commission's recommendations reflect the particular circumstances of Northern Ireland, are supplementary to the European Convention on Human Rights and draw on international instruments and experience.

There are a number of recommendations for inclusion in a Bill of Rights, including: * right to equality and prohibition of discrimination * right to health * education rights * freedom from violence, exploitation and harassment * right to identity and culture * right to civil and administrative justice * right to liberty * right to an adequate standard of living * right to accommodation * right to work * environmental rights, and children's rights

The Commission carefully considered how its recommendations reflect the principles of mutual respect for the identity and ethos of both communities and parity of esteem. At the same time, we have acknowledged that the rights and needs of others must be protected. Both objectives can be best achieved through a Bill of Rights that reflects a common commitment to fairness, equality and justice for all.

Having consulted widely and reviewed the recommendations of the Bill of Rights Forum, we are recommending that Government should introduce necessary legislation to enact a Bill of Rights for Northern Ireland as soon as possible.

Download Advice on a Bill of Rights for Northern Ireland from http://www.nihrc.org

Category:

News & Politics

Tags:

• Bill of Rights
• Paul Goggins
• Monica Mcwilliams
• Belfast
• Human Rights Act
• Northern Ireland
• European Convention
• ECHR
• Good Friday Agreement
• peace
• NIHRC

[GLeNss]

They meet, they talk and they discuss what rights to talk away. Privileges would be a better word to use.