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01/02/2005
Commission tackles Government on Rathgael conditions
The Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission (HRC) is taking the government to court today in order to win the right to monitor conditions at the Juvenile Justice Centre in Rathgael, Bangor.
The Commission said it had sought a judicial review of the decision by the Northern Ireland Office not to grant it access rights to the Centre.
The HRC wants to check whether the recommendations contained in its report 'In Our Care: Promoting the Rights of Children in Custody', published in March 2002, are being properly implemented.
The report made a number of findings regarding the treatment of young offenders in the juvenile justice system.
Professor Brice Dickson, Chief Commissioner of the HRC: “We are extremely disappointed that we have had to go to these lengths to gain access to the Rathgael Centre.
“Given the announcement by the Secretary of State (Paul Murphy) in December that we would be given the right to visit places of detention, it is frustrating that we still have to take legal action in order to complete our review of conditions for children held in this facility.”
Meanwhile, a new report by academics has questioned the effectiveness of the Commission.
In a two-year study by two professors from Bristol University and Queen's University in Belfast, the report said that while the Commission had achieved positive outcomes in some areas, its effectiveness in a number of areas is disputed.
Placing responsibility for the failings partly on the government, the report was critical of the NIO.
The report was compiled by Dr Rachel Murray of the University of Bristol and the late Professor Stephen Livingstone of Queen's University.
(MB/SP)
The Commission said it had sought a judicial review of the decision by the Northern Ireland Office not to grant it access rights to the Centre.
The HRC wants to check whether the recommendations contained in its report 'In Our Care: Promoting the Rights of Children in Custody', published in March 2002, are being properly implemented.
The report made a number of findings regarding the treatment of young offenders in the juvenile justice system.
Professor Brice Dickson, Chief Commissioner of the HRC: “We are extremely disappointed that we have had to go to these lengths to gain access to the Rathgael Centre.
“Given the announcement by the Secretary of State (Paul Murphy) in December that we would be given the right to visit places of detention, it is frustrating that we still have to take legal action in order to complete our review of conditions for children held in this facility.”
Meanwhile, a new report by academics has questioned the effectiveness of the Commission.
In a two-year study by two professors from Bristol University and Queen's University in Belfast, the report said that while the Commission had achieved positive outcomes in some areas, its effectiveness in a number of areas is disputed.
Placing responsibility for the failings partly on the government, the report was critical of the NIO.
The report was compiled by Dr Rachel Murray of the University of Bristol and the late Professor Stephen Livingstone of Queen's University.
(MB/SP)
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Queen’s to debate future of Human Rights Commissions
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Provisional Bill of Rights is unveiled
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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 March 2007
HRC calls for improvements in treatment of women prisoners
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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.
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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.
