NI Human Rights Commission launches Annual Statement

Today’ on International Human Rights Day’ The Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission launches its Annual Statement. This assesses government compliance with human rights obligations in 2013.
The launch will be hosted at Stormont by the Speaker of the Northern Ireland Assembly’ Mr William Hay MLA.
Interim Chair John Corey said:
“The Commission presents the Annual Statement as a record of how the UK Government and the NI Executive are discharging their human rights duties.
The Commission recognises that the challenges for this society have not lessened in 2013.
The rule of law is the foundation for the enjoyment of all human rights. Violations by the state and abuses by non-state actors of civil’ political’ social’ economic and cultural rights continue.
The issues facing us are diverse. They reflect both our past and our present. Racist and sectarian attacks and so-called punishment beatings committed against children have no place in a society committed to human rights. Residents in nursing homes and those reliant upon welfare provision by the state are amongst the most vulnerable people in society. It is a measure of the government’s commitment to human rights protections as to how such people are treated.
In addition’ as we approach the deadline for Dr Haass and the all-party talks’ addressing sources of community divisions and dealing with the past are critical. The Commission once again reiterates to all those engaged in this process that human rights must be central to any resolution. It calls upon those engaged in dialogue to consider the significant role that a Bill of Rights for Northern Ireland could contribute.”
ENDS
Further information:
For further information please contact Alice Neeson on: alice.neeson@nihrc.org or 0771 7731873 (mobile).
Notes to editors
1.The Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission is an independent statutory body first proposed in the Belfast (Good Friday) Agreement (1998) and established in 1999 by the Northern Ireland Act (1998). It is answerable to Parliament at Westminster
2.Press are welcome to attend the Annual Statement launch event. It will take place in the Long Gallery’ Stormont’ between 12.45 and 2pm on Tuesday 10^th