Menu
31/07/2003
NI Human Rights chief under pressure
The head of the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission has come under fire from the SDLP and Sinn Fein following two separate meetings on Thursday.
NIHRC Chief Commissioner Brice Dickson has been criticised in the past for his role in the Holy Cross dispute and last week said he could have handled the affair better.
Following today's meeting's Sinn Fein MP Martin McGuinness described the Commission as "flawed".
SDLP leader, Mark Durkan also criticised Mr Dickson saying a change in leadership was needed.
He added: "The recent controversy over the Commission's support for the Holy Cross case loomed large in our discussions today.
"We raised our concerns on the Holy Cross controversy with the Chief Commissioner and sought his response. While some issues were clarified, we were disappointed that other answers did not add up. Some answers were inconsistent and contradictory. Taken together, the answers provided do not amount to the credibility that is required."
"Brice Dickson has a long standing commitment to the promotion and protection of human rights. We are deeply saddened that this controversy has occurred," he added.
Today's criticism of Mr Dickson follows recent resignations by three members of the Commission who claimed it was "ineffective" in promoting human rights in Northern Ireland.
(MB)
NIHRC Chief Commissioner Brice Dickson has been criticised in the past for his role in the Holy Cross dispute and last week said he could have handled the affair better.
Following today's meeting's Sinn Fein MP Martin McGuinness described the Commission as "flawed".
SDLP leader, Mark Durkan also criticised Mr Dickson saying a change in leadership was needed.
He added: "The recent controversy over the Commission's support for the Holy Cross case loomed large in our discussions today.
"We raised our concerns on the Holy Cross controversy with the Chief Commissioner and sought his response. While some issues were clarified, we were disappointed that other answers did not add up. Some answers were inconsistent and contradictory. Taken together, the answers provided do not amount to the credibility that is required."
"Brice Dickson has a long standing commitment to the promotion and protection of human rights. We are deeply saddened that this controversy has occurred," he added.
Today's criticism of Mr Dickson follows recent resignations by three members of the Commission who claimed it was "ineffective" in promoting human rights in Northern Ireland.
(MB)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
22 November 2024
Pedestrian Injured In Belfast Hit-and-Run
The PSNI have issued an appeal for information following a hit-and-run incident in the Botanic Avenue area of Belfast in the early hours of Thursday morning. Officers were called to the scene shortly before 1.30am after a male pedestrian was struck by a maroon Mazda. Despite being injured, the pedestrian left the area before police arrived.
Pedestrian Injured In Belfast Hit-and-Run
The PSNI have issued an appeal for information following a hit-and-run incident in the Botanic Avenue area of Belfast in the early hours of Thursday morning. Officers were called to the scene shortly before 1.30am after a male pedestrian was struck by a maroon Mazda. Despite being injured, the pedestrian left the area before police arrived.
15 November 2024
Four Arrested Following Disorder In South Belfast
Four men have been arrested following public disorder incidents in the university area of south Belfast on Thursday, November 14th. Police responded to a number of offences, including resisting and obstructing police, and assault on police. Three men, aged 18, 20, and 21, have been charged and are due to appear in court in December.
Four Arrested Following Disorder In South Belfast
Four men have been arrested following public disorder incidents in the university area of south Belfast on Thursday, November 14th. Police responded to a number of offences, including resisting and obstructing police, and assault on police. Three men, aged 18, 20, and 21, have been charged and are due to appear in court in December.
07 March 2002
Juvenile detention centers criticised by Human Rights Commission
The Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission has published a report which criticises the standard of care provided in juvenile detention facilities across the province.
Juvenile detention centers criticised by Human Rights Commission
The Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission has published a report which criticises the standard of care provided in juvenile detention facilities across the province.
08 March 2007
HRC calls for improvements in treatment of women prisoners
The Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission (NIHRC) has marked today’s International Women’s Day by calling for improvements in the way women prisoners are treated in Northern Ireland.
HRC calls for improvements in treatment of women prisoners
The Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission (NIHRC) has marked today’s International Women’s Day by calling for improvements in the way women prisoners are treated in Northern Ireland.
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.
-
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.
