Amnesty believes that a Bill of Rights for Northern Ireland should be to the highest international human rights standards and campaigns for this at the Human Rights Consortium
Update 31 march 2010
On 31 March 2010, Amnesty International made its submission to the Northern Ireland Office consultation on the proposed Bill of Rights for Northern Ireland.
We made it clear that current proposals from the UK Government for a Northern Ireland Bill of Rights fall far short of international standards, and we're urging the Government to undertake a complete reassessment of its approach and to issue new proposals.
The background to a Bill of Rights for Northern IrelandUnder the Belfast/Good Friday Agreement, the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission (NIHRC) was asked to consult with the people of Northern Ireland and advise the Secretary of State on the scope for defining rights supplementary to the European Convention of Human Rights. Such rights were to reflect the particular circumstances of Northern Ireland, and, taken together with the Convention would constitute a Bill of Rights for Northern Ireland. |
Why have a Bill of Rights for Northern Ireland?A Bill of Rights would allow people living in Northern Ireland to build on the strengths of the European Convention and consider the particular needs of Northern Ireland. It would also allow all sections of a divided society to come together and voice their views about what rights need to be protected in their lives. |
Human Rights Consortium
Established in 2000, the Consortium campaigns for a strong and inclusive Bill
of Rights for Northern Ireland.
Amnesty and the Committee on the Administration of Justice (CAJ) jointly bring the Human Rights Consortium together. It has a membership of over one hundred non-governmental organisations, trade unions and community groups.
We regularly meet with politicians from all parties as well as representatives of the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission. Find out more on the Human Rights Consortium website.
Further Information and Related Documents
 [Microsoft Word] | Speech to the NICEM 13th Annual Human Rights and Equality Conference - July 2011 |
 [Acrobat PDF] | Response to the consultation on the powers of the NIHRC - Feb 2006 Amnesty International's response to the consultation on the powers of the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission |
| [Acrobat PDF] | Strengthening proposals for a Bill of Rights - Dec 2001 |
| [Acrobat PDF] | An inclusive Bill of Rights for all - Feb 2001 |
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