BTEC students at Belfast Met explore human rights

The work of the Human Rights Commission to protect and promote the human rights of all in Northern Ireland has been explored at Belfast Met.

Students involved in the BTEC in Uniformed Protective Services discussed real life examples of when the Human Rights Act has been used to enhance fairness and promote dignity of people those in our society. They also looked at how public authorities must respect, protect and fulfil our human rights.

Human rights form an important aspect of the students qualification, with the Commission also covering its work through on sport, business and climate change.

The visit was conducted as part of the Commission’s educational outreach, which forms part of its statutory duties of promotion, education and raising awareness of human rights.

Natalie Thompson, Lecturer at Belfast Met said:

“Thank you sincerely for your visit with the Uniformed Protective Services students this week. Experiences like this provide students with invaluable curriculum enrichment as well as high level insight into the important work the NIHRC are involved with. We know how busy the team are, so we truly value you taking the time to meet with us and talk to our students. We would love to maintain contact for future opportunities to work together so please keep in touch.”

Chief Commissioner Alyson Kilpatrick added:

“It is important that everyone who wishes to serve their community in the Uniformed Protective Services is supported to do so, and that they are equipped with an understanding and appreciation of human rights. They will protect others' human rights in their work and they are also rights-holders. The Commission welcomed this opportunity to meet young people; to share our vision of human rights, and support all young people to realise their rights and help protect others' rights.

I would like to thank Belfast Met for giving us this opportunity and look forward to working with them again. The Commission offers its congratulations to Belfast Met for its excellent work and wishes the students well. We know they will have great futures and become the leaders of tomorrow."

ENDS

Picture caption: Representatives from the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission with students and staff from Belfast Met Castlereagh Campus.