Menu
03/07/2003
UN convention on disability welcomed
The Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission (NIHRC) has welcomed the decision taken by a United Nations Ad Hoc Committee to proceed with a new policy of the rights of disabled people.
The NIHRC says the new convention will have profound implications for the rights of the 600 million disabled people throughout the world because it will give them the same protection in law as other non-disabled citizens.
The decision to draft a Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities was taken at the end of the Committee meeting in New York, which ran from 16 to 27 June.
Welcoming the decision the Chief Commissioner of the Northern Ireland Commission, Professor Brice Dickson, said: “For the first time ever National Human Rights Institutions were permitted to play a role in the proceedings of an Ad Hoc Committee at the UN and will now be part of the Working Group which has been established to work on the draft Disability Rights Convention."
Kevin McLaughlin, a Commissioner with the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission, added: “This was a unique occasion where I and other colleagues from National Human Rights Institutions had the chance to debate and offer our thoughts on what should be included in a draft Convention.
"However, not only did the United Nations permit organisations like ourselves to do this but organisations working directly for and on behalf of disabled people were able to do the same. This added a wholly different perspective to the proceedings and allowed for the voice of disabled people to be heard."
The Working Group will comprise 27 country representatives, 12 non-governmental organisations and one representative from National Human Rights Institutions.
It will meet twice to work on a paper which will be presented to the full Ad Hoc Committee in January 2004 for further deliberations.
(MB)
The NIHRC says the new convention will have profound implications for the rights of the 600 million disabled people throughout the world because it will give them the same protection in law as other non-disabled citizens.
The decision to draft a Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities was taken at the end of the Committee meeting in New York, which ran from 16 to 27 June.
Welcoming the decision the Chief Commissioner of the Northern Ireland Commission, Professor Brice Dickson, said: “For the first time ever National Human Rights Institutions were permitted to play a role in the proceedings of an Ad Hoc Committee at the UN and will now be part of the Working Group which has been established to work on the draft Disability Rights Convention."
Kevin McLaughlin, a Commissioner with the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission, added: “This was a unique occasion where I and other colleagues from National Human Rights Institutions had the chance to debate and offer our thoughts on what should be included in a draft Convention.
"However, not only did the United Nations permit organisations like ourselves to do this but organisations working directly for and on behalf of disabled people were able to do the same. This added a wholly different perspective to the proceedings and allowed for the voice of disabled people to be heard."
The Working Group will comprise 27 country representatives, 12 non-governmental organisations and one representative from National Human Rights Institutions.
It will meet twice to work on a paper which will be presented to the full Ad Hoc Committee in January 2004 for further deliberations.
(MB)
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.
04 September 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.
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.
05 December 2005
Human rights hold key to peace
The NI Human Rights Commission have organised a number of events to celebrate Human Rights Week. Chief Commissioner Monica McWilliams said: “The aim of Human Rights Week is to increase the level of public awareness and understanding of human rights as a key ingredient for fostering mutual understanding, tolerance, and peace.
Human rights hold key to peace
The NI Human Rights Commission have organised a number of events to celebrate Human Rights Week. Chief Commissioner Monica McWilliams said: “The aim of Human Rights Week is to increase the level of public awareness and understanding of human rights as a key ingredient for fostering mutual understanding, tolerance, and peace.
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.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
