Commission hears views of young people in visit to Belfast High School

The Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission has heard about human rights issues affecting young people during visits to Belfast High School.

As part of its educational outreach, the Commission spoke with GCSE students studying Learning for Life and Work about its role to protect and promote human rights in Northern Ireland. They also heard about how sports can be used to help us fulfill our human rights, and the ongoing work of the NI Sport and Human Rights Forum.

As part of the Commission’s planning for its 2022–25 strategy, students fed back on the human rights issues affecting them, their families and friends, as well as highlighting how the Commission could better engage with young people in the future.

Paula Wharry, Belfast High School said:

“The LLW students really enjoyed the workshops and learning about the work of the Commission. It was also a great opportunity for them to share what human rights issues are important to them”.

Chief Commissioner Alyson Kilpatrick added:

“The Commission was delighted to be able to speak to LLW students at Belfast High School. Highlighting the role of the Commission and raising awareness of human rights is an important part of our work. We are very grateful to students for providing feedback on human rights issues that are important to them. We wish the GCSE students all the best with the rest of their studies.”

ENDS

Photo:

• Michael Boyd and Jason McKeown from the Human Rights Commission, along with Belfast High School students James and Leo.

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

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

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