15/03/2007

Human rights lawyer to chair NI Bill of Rights Forum

Leading Australian Human Rights Lawyer and activist, Chris Sidoti has been appointed as the independent Chair of the new Northern Ireland Bill of Rights Forum.

British Human Rights Minister David Hanson said the appointment of Mr Sidoti will bring a level of expertise to the Forum which will be invaluable as it takes forward its work.

Mr Hanson said: “A champion of human rights throughout his career, Chris Sidoti brings to the Forum not only immense experience as a lawyer, teacher and activist in the field of human rights and justice but also provides a valuable international dimension to the work of the Forum.”

He continued: “I am confident that the Forum under his leadership will agree valuable recommendations that will contribute significantly to the work of the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission in providing its advice on a Bill of Rights for Northern Ireland.”

Mr Hanson also emphasised the Forum would now work independently of Government.

(JM/SP)

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