Lumen Christi College students hear how rights can empower us

Human rights can be used effectively to help us live our lives fairly and in dignity, pupils at Lumen Christi College have heard.

The Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission was delighted to run three workshops with Year 11 in the school.

Through interactive sessions students looked at how many of the issues we see in society today are human rights issues, such as poverty, mental health, climate change, sport and business. Through group work, the young people discussed ways in which human rights can be used to tackle these issues.

They also explored how the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission can help protect and promote the rights of everyone.

Denise Carlisle, Head of LLW said:

“The workshops promoted an awareness and understanding of human rights and the role of the NIHRC in upholding these rights. Human rights are based on important principles like dignity, fairness and equality and the workshops encouraged a wealth of discussion and engagement on issues related around these principles. A huge thank you to the NIHRC for enriching our pupil’s experiences.”

Chief Commissioner, Alyson Kilpatrick added:

“This empowers young people so they can understand and claim their rights for themselves. It is vital that we raise awareness and build a culture of human rights in Northern Ireland, starting with our young people.

I would like to thank Lumen Christi for welcoming the Commission, and the students for their enthusiastic engagement. We wish them well and see bright futures for all of them, whatever they choose to do. We look forward to meeting many more young people, in many more schools across Northern Ireland."

ENDS

Picture: Representatives from the NI Human Rights Commission with Year 11 students at Lumen Christi College

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. Lumen Christi College is a co-educational grammar school in Derry/Londonderry Northern Ireland.

3. A short video on the work of the Commission can be viewed here.

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