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11/03/2024
Justice Minister Launches New 'These Are Your Rights' Campaign
A new campaign to promote the rights of victims and witnesses has been launched by Justice Minister, Naomi Long, in partnership with the Commissioner Designate for Victims of Crime, Geraldine Hanna.
The 'These Are Your Rights' campaign aims to highlight the rights of victims and witnesses under the Victim Charter and the Witness Charter available at www.nidirect.gov.uk/charters.
Announcing the awareness campaign, Minister Long said: "I recognise that being the victim of crime or a witness to crime can be traumatic and that the criminal justice system can be daunting to navigate.
"This campaign seeks to raise awareness of both the Victim Charter and the Witness Charter, so you know where to turn for the support and information you need.
"The charters set out your rights including to be treated with dignity and respect, to be told about available support, provided with all the information you need and given an opportunity for your concerns to be addressed. These are your rights."
Some of the key rights include: Referrals to free, confidential services; information on decisions relating to your case; requesting a court familiarisation visit; and having the opportunity to tell the court how the crime has harmed you.
Commissioner Designate for Victims of Crime Geraldine Hanna said: "Many of the victims I have spoken to have told me of their challenging experiences in the criminal justice system.
"It is my hope that this campaign will help to reassure victims and witnesses that they do have rights. Those rights exist so that victims can be understood, protected and supported by the agencies and service providers they encounter on their journey through the justice system."
The 'These Are Your Rights' campaign aims to highlight the rights of victims and witnesses under the Victim Charter and the Witness Charter available at www.nidirect.gov.uk/charters.
Announcing the awareness campaign, Minister Long said: "I recognise that being the victim of crime or a witness to crime can be traumatic and that the criminal justice system can be daunting to navigate.
"This campaign seeks to raise awareness of both the Victim Charter and the Witness Charter, so you know where to turn for the support and information you need.
"The charters set out your rights including to be treated with dignity and respect, to be told about available support, provided with all the information you need and given an opportunity for your concerns to be addressed. These are your rights."
Some of the key rights include: Referrals to free, confidential services; information on decisions relating to your case; requesting a court familiarisation visit; and having the opportunity to tell the court how the crime has harmed you.
Commissioner Designate for Victims of Crime Geraldine Hanna said: "Many of the victims I have spoken to have told me of their challenging experiences in the criminal justice system.
"It is my hope that this campaign will help to reassure victims and witnesses that they do have rights. Those rights exist so that victims can be understood, protected and supported by the agencies and service providers they encounter on their journey through the justice system."
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26 February 2024
New Campaign To Promote Rights Of Victims And Witnesses
A new public awareness campaign to promote the rights of victims and witnesses has been announced by Justice Minister Naomi Long in partnership with the Commissioner Designate for Victims of Crime, Geraldine Hanna.
New Campaign To Promote Rights Of Victims And Witnesses
A new public awareness campaign to promote the rights of victims and witnesses has been announced by Justice Minister Naomi Long in partnership with the Commissioner Designate for Victims of Crime, Geraldine Hanna.
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.
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.
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: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.
