International Human Rights Day
Marking International Human Rights Day (10th December), the Human Rights Consortium has said that it is time to deliver on a Bill of Rights for Northern Ireland.
Speaking on International Human Rights Day, Chairperson of the Consortium, Fiona McCausland, said: “International Human Rights day recognises the creation of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in 1948. While it is an opportunity to consider existing Human Rights instruments internationally, it is also an opportunity to reflect on the need for additional human rights protections locally.
In Northern Ireland, we are currently in the process of developing recommendations on a Bill of Rights. A document which will enshrine the human rights protections we wish to see developed and implemented in Northern Ireland. Every political party in Northern Ireland supports the creation of a Bill of Rights and its content is currently being debated by representatives of political parties and the community and voluntary sector, on the Bill of Rights Forum.”
“The members of the Human Rights Consortium feel that a strong and inclusive Bill of Rights can make a huge difference to people’s lives here in Northern Ireland and can act as a safety net for the most vulnerable in our society. We are at a very important stage in the Bill of Rights process here and the next few months are crucial. A Bill of Rights will be worthless without public ownership and engagement in the process and a commitment to deliver a Bill that will both protect and reflect the rights of all.”
We would encourage the public to get engaged in this important process and have their voice, their issues and their concerns reflected in a Bill of Rights. Today is the perfect time for the people of Northern Ireland to become involved in the Bill of Rights debate. They can find out more about the Bill of Rights Forum at http://www.billofrightsforum.org