Human Rights Commission visits Sacred Heart College in Omagh

The Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission has engaged with students at Sacred Heart College in Omagh.

Pupils from Year 11 and Year 12 at the school looked at the wide range of human rights we are entitled to and how these must be respected by the Government and public authorities.

The Commission was also able to highlight its work promoting and protecting human rights in Northern Ireland, including its duties around advice, education, investigation and litigation.

The students discussed the many human rights issues affecting children and young people including those around education, health, and an adequate standard of living.

Chief Commissioner Alyson Kilpatrick added:

“It is essential that our young people know the rights they have, and what they can do if they feel their rights have not been respected. We want them to know our role in Northern Ireland to promote and protect the human rights of all. I would like to thank staff and students at Sacred Heart College for the warm welcome and their engagement throughout the presentation. We look forward to engaging with the school in the future. I wish the students all the best with the rest of their studies.”

Siobhan McQuaid, Head of LLW at Sacred Heart College said:

“The Commission engaged Year 11 and Year 12 pupils with a lively and informative discussion around rights in Northern Ireland. Pupils are now more aware of the importance of human rights in areas such as poverty, homelessness, domestic abuse, access to health, education and housing. The presentation highlighted the Commission’s work in promoting and protecting human rights including its duties in areas such as advice and education. It was worthwhile and very beneficial for the pupils to hear what Jason had to say about human rights and the role of the Human Rights Commission within Northern Ireland and I would highly recommend these workshops to any school.’

ENDS

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. Sacred Heart College is an all ability, co-educational 11-19 school in Omagh, Co. Tyrone.

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