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11/09/2002
HR Commission shares frustrations of resignation pair
The Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission has said it shares the frustration of Dr Inez McCormack and Professor Christine Bell which resulted in the pair resigning from their positions this week.
Prof Christine Bell and Inez McCormack wrote individually to the Secretary of State John Reid last week expressing their concerns at the failure of the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission to effectively promote and protect human rights, as mandated by the Good Friday Agreement.
Broadly agreeing with their criticisms, the Commission made it clear that the Northern Ireland Office (NIO) must give the body more powers in the delivery of its remit.
In a statement released today, it said: "The Commission has had to take a case to the House of Lords to establish its right to intervene in the courts on human rights issues and a dossier of recommendations for changes to its powers has been with the Northern Ireland Office since March 2001.
"The Commission now calls on the NIO to demonstrate its support for the Commission by responding positively to those recommendations. The Commission must be given the powers and resources that it needs to ensure the effective protection and promotion of human rights in Northern Ireland."
As regards its strategic direction the Commission acknowledged that it had been ambitious in what it had set out to achieve, but said it was still a young organisation operating in a controversial and complex field.
(MB)
Prof Christine Bell and Inez McCormack wrote individually to the Secretary of State John Reid last week expressing their concerns at the failure of the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission to effectively promote and protect human rights, as mandated by the Good Friday Agreement.
Broadly agreeing with their criticisms, the Commission made it clear that the Northern Ireland Office (NIO) must give the body more powers in the delivery of its remit.
In a statement released today, it said: "The Commission has had to take a case to the House of Lords to establish its right to intervene in the courts on human rights issues and a dossier of recommendations for changes to its powers has been with the Northern Ireland Office since March 2001.
"The Commission now calls on the NIO to demonstrate its support for the Commission by responding positively to those recommendations. The Commission must be given the powers and resources that it needs to ensure the effective protection and promotion of human rights in Northern Ireland."
As regards its strategic direction the Commission acknowledged that it had been ambitious in what it had set out to achieve, but said it was still a young organisation operating in a controversial and complex field.
(MB)
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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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