Commission engages with students at North West Regional College

The Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission was delighted to engage with students at North West Regional College (NWRC) in Limavady.

Commission staff delivered a workshop to young adults studying their BTEC in Uniformed Protective Services, with human rights forming an important part of their curriculum.

A wide range of topics were covered including how human rights interacts with sport, business and climate change. Those at NWRC also explored the Human Rights Act, the rights contained in it, and public bodies duties in relation to it.

The visit was conducted as part of the Commission’s educational outreach, which is aimed at raising awareness of human rights and the work of the organisation in promoting and protecting the rights of all those in Northern Ireland.

Ian McGregor, Lecturer at North West Regional College said:

“Michael and Jason from the Commission delivered an informative and interactive workshop on the important topic of human rights. Many of the students on this course wish to pursue a career in the Police, Fire, Ambulance, and Prison as well as the Armed Services (Army, Navy and RAF), HM Customs and Excise and other emergency-related organisations.

“This course helps young people become ready to take up employment in the uniformed public services sector at the appropriate level. Understanding human rights, how they work and how they inform the work of public bodies will better help them on their journey.

It was hugely beneficial to the students, and I know they enjoyed it.”

Chief Commissioner Alyson Kilpatrick added:

“Engaging schools and colleges is an important part of our education and outreach work. It is vital that young people are aware of the importance and value of human rights in our society. I would like to thank North West Regional College for reaching out to us and congratulate them on their good work. I wish the students all the best with the rest of their studies.”

ENDS

Picture caption: Representatives from the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission with students from North West Regional College and their tutor, Ian McGregor (front row, second from the right).

Notes to Editors

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.The Commission presented to BTEC in Uniformed Protective Services.

3. The animation on the work of the Commission can be viewed here.

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

5. The Commission has created lesson ideas for teachers, which can be accessed here.