has started to seek views from the public on the need for a UK Bill of Rights. The Commission on a UK Bill of Rights was set up by the government in March to explore a range of issues around human rights law. The Commission has published a discussion paper which asks for your views. The deadline for responses to the commission's
is 11 November 2011.
Commissions defend the Human Rights Act
The Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission (NIHRC) and the Scottish Human Rights Commission (SHRC) have today (30 March 2010) issued a joint statement in support of retaining and building upon the Human Rights Act 1998. The statement has been released to inform public debate ahead of the UK General Election of the risks inherent in proposals to repeal the Human Rights Act and replace it with a UK Bill of Rights. Read more.
Bill of Rights resources for children
The BELONG programme has produced a number of reources and multilingual guides on a Bill of Rights for Black and Minority Ethnic (BME) children in Northern Ireland. BELONG aims to promote a sense of Belonging amongst BME children and young people (aged 7 – 12 years). Visit their
website.
Response to Government consultation on a Bill of Rights for Northern Ireland
The Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission has published its
response to the government's consultation on a Bill of Rights for Northern Ireland. In a
press statement on 17 February, 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.”
On 10 December 2008, the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission presented its advice to the Government on the possible content of a Bill of Rights for Northern Ireland.
On 30 November 2009, the Government published its consultation paper entitled ‘A Bill of Rights for Northern Ireland: Next Steps’. The paper is available on the Northern Ireland Office website here. The consultation ended on 31 March 2010.
It's in your hands - Human Rights Consortium's Campaign
The 'Make Our Bill of Rights Strong' campaign has been s tarted by the Human Rights Consortium's members and supporters in order to evidence and mobilise the huge public support that exists for a strong and inclusive Bill of Rights for Northern Ireland. You can find out more about their campaign here .
New resources from the Human Rights Commission
Education Pack on a Bill of Rights for Northern Ireland
This pack is aimed at citizenship teachers and youth leaders and is available to schools and youth organisations to help young people participate in the Government consultation. The key resources from the pack, including guidance notes and a lesson plan , can be downloaded from the Commission's website and a limited number of hard copies are available on request .
A Bill of Rights for Northern Ireland: Advice to the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland
This advice is available in a number of formats: