The future of human rights in the UK - NIHRC conference
This conference, which marks the 10th anniversary of the Human Rights Act (1998) coming into force, will bring together the UK national human rights institutions, government, lawyers and activists. Its purpose is to further the discussion started by government on the future of human rights in the UK and to identify the challenges and opportunities presented by this debate.
The UK Government has committed to establish a Commission tasked with investigating ‘the creation of a British Bill of Rights’. Its aim is to ‘incorporate and build on all our obligations under the European Convention on Human Rights’, and to ensure that these rights continue to be enshrined in law. Government has said that it will use the process ‘to promote a better understanding of the true scope of these obligations and liberties’.
Domestic human rights protections guaranteed by the Human Rights Act are central to the UK constitution. They underpin the devolution settlements and act as a set of values that are held in common across all jurisdictions. Any proposed review of these protections is of crucial political, legal and social importance.
Speakers at this conference will include eminent public figures and international experts. It will focus on four themes:
- the Human Rights Act (1998)
- Rights and Responsibilities
- Regionalism and Bills of Rights, and
- Economic and Social Rights.
Download the conference leaflet (pdf) for more details, including the programme, speakers and how to register.
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: