NIHRC visit Drumragh Integrated College

Labour exploitation and migrant rights were some of the human rights issues discussed with pupils at Drumragh Integrated College today.

The Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission visited the school in Omagh on Tuesday and met with Year 10 pupils. The pupils learned about human rights issues affecting those who live in Northern Ireland, which included hearing about migrants who have been subjected to forced labour and modern day slavery.

They also learned about the work of the Commission through a brand new animation on the topic.

Principal of Drumragh Integrated College, Nigel Frith said:

“We are delighted to welcome the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission into Drumragh Integrated College. Our integrated ethos shapes a learning environment where we encourage our students to welcome diversity and work toward a world free of injustice. The Commission’s partnership with us enriches this vision in ways that are both authentic and thought-provoking.”

Chief Commissioner, Les Allamby, commented:

“It is great for the Commission to get the opportunity to meet with pupils from Drumragh Integrated College today. The purpose of todays visit is to explain the work that we do at the Commission but most importantly we want to hear from the pupils on what human rights issues are important to them”

ENDS

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 Hidden Rights video on Migrants Rights can be viewed here.

3. In its latest Annual Human Rights Statement the Commission highlighted that during 2016, 33 potential victims of human trafficking were referred from NI, representing a decrease of 20 victims on 2015 referral figures. This figure included: 12 adult males; 15 adult females; four boys; and two girls. Labour exploitation was the primary reason for referral comprising 42 per cent of the referrals; while 30 per cent were referred for sexual exploitation; nine per cent for domestic servitude; and another 18 per cent referred as unknown exploitation type.

The Commission recommended in its Annual Statement that the NI Executive continues to take effective measures to address human trafficking and exploitation including through the appointment of independent guardians to assist, represent and support children who are believed to be victims of trafficking. Access the human rights statement here

4. 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).