Importance of human rights highlighted at Priory Integrated College

The work of the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission has been highlighted to students during a visit to Priory Integrated College.

The GCSE Learning for Life and Work pupils discussed rights contained in the Human Rights Act, and looked at real-life scenarios where it has been used to promote and protect those whose rights have been breached.

Students also explored how human rights have an important role to play in the worlds of sport and business.

Chief Commissioner Alyson Kilpatrick said:

“We welcome the opportunity to meet young people. Young people can teach us a lot about the practical application of rights. We enjoy sharing our knowledge with them and receiving just as much in return. Our outreach to post-primary schools can empower young people to understand and claim their own rights which strengthens rights protection across society. Young people play a fundamental part in shaping a fair and equitable society for the rest of us and they deserve equal respect.

I am grateful to Priory Integrated College for inviting us to join them and to the students for their enthusiasm in engaging with us. They inspire us and I hope we inspired them. I wish them the very best for the future, whatever they choose to pursue. They will make a valuable contribution, I am sure.”

Lorraine Clayton, Head of Learning for Life & Work at Priory Integrated College added:

“As a Rights Respecting Schools silver award school it was great to have NIHRC into school to promote human rights and help the pupils understand human rights within NI. It was very useful for the pupils to see what we are doing well within NI and also to see the issues that we still need work on. Thank you to Jason and Michael for a very engaging and interesting presentation.”

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. Priory Integrated College is an all ability integrated college in Holywood, County Down.

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