Commission engages with young people in Bangor

The Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission was delighted to engage with young people in Bangor on their human rights.

Those on the North Down Community Network's DICE Connections Youth Committee were able to explore the human rights that they are entitled to, while looking at some examples of rights in practice.

The young people also led a discussion on human rights issues that are affecting those living in Northern Ireland, from mental health and education, to justice and climate change.

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.

Rachel Kane, North Down Community Network's DICE Project said:

“Michael and Jason were fantastic with the Dice Connections Youth Committee and really catered the information to them and what they would understand. The young people were really engaged and interested in finding out information on how the Human Rights Commission works and exactly what they do. It has given us a great talking point for our next committee meeting and we look forward to meeting up with Michael and Jason again.”

Chief Commissioner Alyson Kilpatrick added:

“Commission staff really enjoyed engaging with the DICE Connections Youth Committee in Bangor, and were delighted at the engagement and discussion on human rights issues that was led by the young people. One of the Commission’s functions is to promote and raise awareness of the human rights we all have. These sessions enable us to fulfil that function by reaching out and engage with young people, as well as hearing about issues important to them. We wish them all well for the future.”

ENDS

Photo:

• Michael Boyd and Jason McKeown from the Human Rights Commission, along with members of the DICE Connections Youth Committee.

Additional information

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 DICE Project aims to reach young people across North Down, but particularly those from the Bloomfield, Breezemount, Clandeboye and Whitehill areas.

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.