Human Rights Commission visits Sacred Heart Grammar School

The Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission (NIHRC) has visited Sacred Heart Grammar School as part of their educational engagement pilot.

The NIHRC spoke to GCSE Learning for Life and Work pupils looking at human rights as part of their Citizenship module.

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

They also learned about what human rights they have, and which rights can or cannot be limited.

Pupils also watched a short film about United Nations treaties, including the Convention on the Rights of the Child.

Acting Principal of Sacred Heart Grammar School, Mr Paul Kane said:

“We at Sacred Heart Grammar School were delighted to welcome Claire and Jason from the NI Human Rights Commission to our school. Their thought-provoking and informative presentation to our Year 11 students on the work of the Commission in raising awareness of human rights and equality issues was truly inspiring. The Question and Answer session provided at the end of the presentation certainly helped address some of the real issues facing our young people today.”

Chief Commissioner, Les Allamby, commented:

“The Commission was delighted to engage with pupils at Sacred Heart Grammar school. We were heartened by the enthusiasm and eagerness to learn about the work of the Commission and human rights in general. It is an important part of our work to engage with young people who are considering the issues of human rights and equality in the context of wider citizenship. I would like to wish them well with their studies and to thank the staff for facilitating the visit.”

ENDS

Photo caption: NIHRC Director of Communications Claire Martin, picture with pupils and teacher Mr Shane McComb.

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 UN Treaties 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).