Human Rights Commission visits Royal Belfast Academical Institution

The Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission (NIHRC) has visited the Royal Belfast Academical Institution as part of its educational engagement pilot.

The NIHRC spoke to pupils currently studying GCSE Learning for Life and Work.

Students heard from the Commission on the work and role of the body in promoting and protecting human rights in Northern Ireland.

The young people discussed human rights issues affecting migrants, refugees and asylum seekers. This included a short film the NIHRC made with the law Centre NI and Migrant Help about labour exploitation and modern day slavery.

Pupils had the opportunity to ask questions to inform their GCSE coursework assessment.

Head of GCSE Learning for Life & Work, Noeleen Cosgrove said:

“It was wonderful having the NI Human Rights Commission in school to speak to our pupils. It allowed them to see human rights in action and appreciate the struggles faced by some people within Northern Ireland society.”

Chief Commissioner, Les Allamby, commented:

“We would like to thank staff and pupils at RBAI for allowing us to come out and speak to them about our work, as well as debate issues around the rights of migrants, refuges and asylum seekers. It is an important part of our work to engage with young people who are considering the issues of human rights and equality. The discussion showed how engaged young people are on important global issues. I would like to wish them well with the rest of their studies.”

ENDS

Photo caption: NIHRC ‘s Liz Griffith with some of the GCSE LLW students at RBAI.

Further information:

For further information please contact Claire Martin on: (028) 9024 3987 or by email on Claire.martin@nihrc.org

Notes to Editors

1. The animation on the work of the NI Human Rights Commission can be viewed here.

2. The Migrant Rights video can be viewed here.

3. 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 (NI).