Menu
03/01/2002
SDLP say bill of rights represents opportunity for all
The SDLP has published their response to Northern Ireland’s proposed bill of rights and has advocated that it represents an opportunity for all and a threat to none.
The party’s justice spokesman Alex Attwood said the bill being proposed by the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission offers a chance to “ensure justice, equality and rights for all.”
Mr Attwood was speaking on Thursday before a meeting between an SDLP party delegation and commission officials at which it presented its response to the proposed bill.
Mr Attwood said: “The proposed Bill of Rights is an opportunity for all and a threat to none. Human rights protection for all citizens and each community is essential for a stable and successful society.
“Those of all political backgrounds should embrace the proposed bill of rights and avail of it as a means to ensure justice, equality and rights for all.”
SDLP member Patricia Lewsley said her party was proposing a “maximum approach” to rights enforcement and protection, covering a range of individual, community, political, social economic and cultural rights.
She added: “A maximum approach to rights protection and enforcement can create maximum confidence that human rights will be guaranteed.
“A central feature of our political conflict has been the denial of rights - from those who took life by terror, and those who disadvantaged people and communities and those to who denied due process and fair trials. All of this has characterised the division of the past.
“An expansive, extensive bill of rights can provide the guarantee that the future will be different from the past.” (AMcE)
The party’s justice spokesman Alex Attwood said the bill being proposed by the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission offers a chance to “ensure justice, equality and rights for all.”
Mr Attwood was speaking on Thursday before a meeting between an SDLP party delegation and commission officials at which it presented its response to the proposed bill.
Mr Attwood said: “The proposed Bill of Rights is an opportunity for all and a threat to none. Human rights protection for all citizens and each community is essential for a stable and successful society.
“Those of all political backgrounds should embrace the proposed bill of rights and avail of it as a means to ensure justice, equality and rights for all.”
SDLP member Patricia Lewsley said her party was proposing a “maximum approach” to rights enforcement and protection, covering a range of individual, community, political, social economic and cultural rights.
She added: “A maximum approach to rights protection and enforcement can create maximum confidence that human rights will be guaranteed.
“A central feature of our political conflict has been the denial of rights - from those who took life by terror, and those who disadvantaged people and communities and those to who denied due process and fair trials. All of this has characterised the division of the past.
“An expansive, extensive bill of rights can provide the guarantee that the future will be different from the past.” (AMcE)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
08 June 2005
Queen’s to debate future of Human Rights Commissions
The future of Human Rights Commissions in the UK and Ireland will be examined at Queen's University Belfast this week. The Human Rights Centre at the Queen's School of Law, in co-operation with the Faculty of Law, University of Bristol, will hold a half-day conference in Belfast on Friday on the role of both Commissions.
Queen’s to debate future of Human Rights Commissions
The future of Human Rights Commissions in the UK and Ireland will be examined at Queen's University Belfast this week. The Human Rights Centre at the Queen's School of Law, in co-operation with the Faculty of Law, University of Bristol, will hold a half-day conference in Belfast on Friday on the role of both Commissions.
20 October 2005
Human rights central to citizenship - Minister
Human rights are central to citizenship and have an important role to play in moving Northern Ireland towards an equal, just and peaceful future. That was the message from Education Minister, Angela Smith, at today's cross-border conference on Human Rights Education in Dublin.
Human rights central to citizenship - Minister
Human rights are central to citizenship and have an important role to play in moving Northern Ireland towards an equal, just and peaceful future. That was the message from Education Minister, Angela Smith, at today's cross-border conference on Human Rights Education in Dublin.
17 December 2010
Divergent Views On Bill Of Rights
A Northern Ireland Office Minister of State, Hugo Swire has updated Westminster on the progress on a proposed NI Bill of Rights - and underlined that the way ahead is far from clear.
Divergent Views On Bill Of Rights
A Northern Ireland Office Minister of State, Hugo Swire has updated Westminster on the progress on a proposed NI Bill of Rights - and underlined that the way ahead is far from clear.
15 March 2007
Human rights lawyer to chair NI Bill of Rights Forum
Leading Australian Human Rights Lawyer and activist, Chris Sidoti has been appointed as the independent Chair of the new Northern Ireland Bill of Rights Forum. British Human Rights Minister David Hanson said the appointment of Mr Sidoti will bring a level of expertise to the Forum which will be invaluable as it takes forward its work.
Human rights lawyer to chair NI Bill of Rights Forum
Leading Australian Human Rights Lawyer and activist, Chris Sidoti has been appointed as the independent Chair of the new Northern Ireland Bill of Rights Forum. British Human Rights Minister David Hanson said the appointment of Mr Sidoti will bring a level of expertise to the Forum which will be invaluable as it takes forward its work.
24 March 2009
Teen Denies Police Murder Charge
A teenager has appeared in court to deny murdering police officer Constable Stephen Carroll, 48, who was shot dead in Craigavon on Monday 9 March. He was in the dock at Lisburn Magistrates Court where the court was told he "made no reply to the charges", when they were put to him.
Teen Denies Police Murder Charge
A teenager has appeared in court to deny murdering police officer Constable Stephen Carroll, 48, who was shot dead in Craigavon on Monday 9 March. He was in the dock at Lisburn Magistrates Court where the court was told he "made no reply to the charges", when they were put to him.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:This morning will be dry and rather cloudy, a little brightness here and there. Remaining dry this afternoon but still often cloudy. Fresh to strong westerly winds. Mild. Maximum temperature 11 °C.Tonight:This evening will be dry. Then the rest of the night will be mainly dry and mostly cloudy, although rain may reach the north coast later. Windy. Minimum temperature 7 °C.
