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04/09/2001
Provisional Bill of Rights is unveiled
The Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission has published its provisional proposals for what should be contained in a Bill of Rights for Northern Ireland.
The Commission’s provisional proposals cover democratic rights, identity rights, equality rights, women’s rights, the right to life, criminal justice rights, victims rights, the right to family life and private life, children’s rights, education rights, language rights and social, economic and environmental rights.
The Chief Commissioner of the Human Rights Commission, Professor Brice Dickson, sent out a clear message on what he wanted to see emerge from the enactment of such a Bill.
He said: “With these proposals for a Bill of Rights we can all begin to believe that a legal system can at last be put in place here which fully protects people against basic injustices. At the same time the Commission recognises that along with rights go duties to exercise those rights responsibly. We do not want a Bill of Rights to be a plaything of lawyers or of politicians: we want it to become embedded in the fabric of society so that people can benefit from it in their daily lives and so that as often as possible problems can be prevented before they arise.”
The SDLP’s Alex Attwood welcomed the publication of the Bill of Rights. He said: “The resolution of issues of rights is central to the resolution of our conflict. The fullest resolution of conflict can best be secured by the fullest range of rights in the proposed Bill of Rights.
“In our submission to the Human Rights Commission and in the coming months, the SDLP shall strongly press for an expansive Bill of Rights covering economic, social, civil, political and community rights.” (CD)
The Commission’s provisional proposals cover democratic rights, identity rights, equality rights, women’s rights, the right to life, criminal justice rights, victims rights, the right to family life and private life, children’s rights, education rights, language rights and social, economic and environmental rights.
The Chief Commissioner of the Human Rights Commission, Professor Brice Dickson, sent out a clear message on what he wanted to see emerge from the enactment of such a Bill.
He said: “With these proposals for a Bill of Rights we can all begin to believe that a legal system can at last be put in place here which fully protects people against basic injustices. At the same time the Commission recognises that along with rights go duties to exercise those rights responsibly. We do not want a Bill of Rights to be a plaything of lawyers or of politicians: we want it to become embedded in the fabric of society so that people can benefit from it in their daily lives and so that as often as possible problems can be prevented before they arise.”
The SDLP’s Alex Attwood welcomed the publication of the Bill of Rights. He said: “The resolution of issues of rights is central to the resolution of our conflict. The fullest resolution of conflict can best be secured by the fullest range of rights in the proposed Bill of Rights.
“In our submission to the Human Rights Commission and in the coming months, the SDLP shall strongly press for an expansive Bill of Rights covering economic, social, civil, political and community rights.” (CD)
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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.
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.
19 August 2003
HRC rejects criticisms of its Bill proposals
The Human Rights Commission has hit out at its critics today following the publication of the summary of submissions cataloguing responses to the Bill of Rights consultation.
HRC rejects criticisms of its Bill proposals
The Human Rights Commission has hit out at its critics today following the publication of the summary of submissions cataloguing responses to the Bill of Rights consultation.
16 September 2010
NI Bill Of Rights Wins UK Backing
As the Stormont Justice Minister David Ford (pictured here) vowed to reshape the region's justice system to fit the needs of the people of Northern Ireland, human rights commissions across the UK have backed a proposed Bill of Rights for Northern Ireland.
NI Bill Of Rights Wins UK Backing
As the Stormont Justice Minister David Ford (pictured here) vowed to reshape the region's justice system to fit the needs of the people of Northern Ireland, human rights commissions across the UK have backed a proposed Bill of Rights for Northern Ireland.
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.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:It will be cloudy again throughout the day. Mainly dry in the morning, but patchy drizzle in places, becoming more widespread and persistent in the afternoon. Freshening southwesterly winds. Maximum temperature 12 °C.Tonight:Cloudy with a spell of heavy rain pushing south through late evening and the early hours, followed by some clear spells. Minimum temperature 6 °C.
