160 students enjoyed human rights workshops in Omagh and Bangor in February

Staff from the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission delivered human rights workshops in Bangor Academy with 100 Year 11 students on the 6^th February and in Omagh Academy with 60 Year 14 students on the 9^th Feb.

Emma Coulter, a teacher at Bangor Academy said,

“Our students found it enjoyable and interesting. They enjoyed the interactive elements and how they were encouraged to participate.”

During the workshops the staff presented on the work of the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission, Sport, Business, Climate and Human Rights. Each workshop was interactive, and the young people were encouraged to discuss what they think are the main human rights issues facing young people today.

Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission's Chief Commissioner, Alyson Kilpatrick, said:

“The Commission has a duty to engage with and educate the community on human rights. Schools share that objective, so our visits serve us all - we have the pleasure of meeting and learning from young people and hopefully they enjoy meeting and learning from us. It is critically important, if we are to achieve a thriving society, that we enhance the understanding and appreciation of human rights for everyone. Young people will be responsible for the future protection of all our human rights and we must protect and value theirs, right now, as they want and need us to. They continue to inspire us to address new challenges and we are very grateful to them for that."

ENDS

1.The NI Human Rights Commission is a statutory public body established in 1999 to promote and protect human rights. In accordance with the Paris Principles the Commission reviews the adequacy and effectiveness of measures undertaken by the UK Government to promote and protect human rights, specifically within Northern Ireland.

2. If you are interested in having the Commission speak to your post-primary students, please contact info@nihrc.org