All aboard to launch human rights guide

Launch of Rights in Progress Report 14 June 2013
NIHRC Chief Commissioner Professor Michael O’Flaherty with Law Centre (NI) will launch the fourth edition of Rights in Progress: A guide to the European Convention on Human Rights and the Human Rights Act today’ 14 June 2013’ on Belfast Barge.
Law Centre (NI)‘s Rights in Progress is a comprehensive and accessible introduction to using the Human Rights Act’ which demonstrates how human rights laws relate in practice to the daily work of advisers.
This edition details recent cases in the courts in Northern Ireland and Britain and at the European Convention on Human Rights in Strasbourg.
Professor Michael O’Flaherty’ Chief Commissioner of the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission which funded the project said:
‘For human rights law to actually make a difference for our lives’ it is imperative that we are aware of its provisions and understand how it applies for us. That is the purpose of this publication.
You need no special training or legal skills to use this manual and it is hoped that it will be put to good use by individuals’ community groups’ government officials and any other person or group that is concerned with the promotional and protection of human rights.
Use it confidently in demanding that your rights be respected and our society be a fair and decent one that values each of its members as free and equal.’
Author Les Allamby of the Law Centre added:
’The Convention provides important rights and protections’ including an absolute right to freedom from torture’ inhuman and degrading treatment’ the right to privacy and family life’ freedom of expression’ freedom of association and assembly and freedom of conscience. These are important rights and protections.
The guide shows in practice how the European Court of Human Rights and domestic courts examine the legalities on restrictions on Convention rights by considering their necessity and proportionality across a range of areas of public life.
It is important to separate the myths from the realities of how the Human Rights Act works. This guide aims to do that.’
ENDS
NOTES TO EDITORS
1. Launch details
Friday 14 June’ 11am to 12.30pm’ The Barge’ 1 Lanyon Quay’ Belfast BT1 3LG.
The Barge is permanently moored on the River Lagan’ behind the Waterfront Hall.
Nearest car park is the Hilton car park or alternatively you can use the multi-storey Donegall Quay Parking lot.
Tea & Coffee served upon arrival.
Members of the press and broadcast media are welcome.
2. Your Rights in Northern Ireland
A guide to using the Human Rights Act 1998’ Rights in Progress Fourth Edition was written by Les Allamby’ Law Centre (NI) director’ and Jonathan Simpson (solicitor).
Rights in Progress provides a practical introduction to a piece of the human rights jigsaw by relating the European Convention on Human Rights and the Act to the daily work of advisers and other practitioners.
The guide examines the convention’ analyses how it has been absorbed into domestic law through the Human Rights Act and assesses the impact to date of the Act on civil law through judgements in the courts in Britain’ in Northern Ireland and in Strasbourg.
The expanded Fourth Edition details recent cases in the European Court of Human Rights and in domestic courts in Northern Ireland’ England’ Scotland and Wales and examines new developments in cases cited in previous editions. An index of cases is included for ease of reference.
The guide will be distributed free to Law Centre membership and otherwise retails at £10.00.
ISBN 978-1-872299-27-3