Chief Commissioner Alyson Kilpatrick emphasises that human rights are for everyone on Refugee Week 2024

For Refugee Week 2024, the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission is emphasising that human rights are for everyone, regardless of their nationality or immigration status.

Chief Commissioner Alyson Kilpatrick said:

“We are delighted to support Refugee Week 2024. This year’s theme is ‘Our Home’, which emphasises the importance of making refugees feel at home here in Northern Ireland, and ensuring their human rights are protected.

"Refugees, asylum seekers and other displaced persons are entitled to the same human rights protections as everyone else, including the right to seek and to enjoy in other countries asylum from persecution; the right to health; the right to an adequate standard of living; the right to equality and non-discrimination; freedom from slavery; and freedom from torture, inhuman and degrading treatment.

"The Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission is committed to doing what it can to raise awareness of and resolve human rights issues affecting refugees, asylum seekers and displaced persons.

"We wish everyone a wonderful Refugee Week 2024 and look forward to celebrating the diversity and important contributions of refugees, asylum seekers and displaced persons to Northern Ireland.”

ENDS

Additional information:

• 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.
• Refugee Week 2024 will run 17 June – 22 June. It takes place each year to honour refugees and appreciate the contributions, creativity, and resilience of refugees and people seeking sanctuary. You can find out more about Refugee Week events in Northern Ireland here: https://refugeeweek.org.uk/