NIHRC visit St Patrick’s College Banbridge

The Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission (NIHRC) has visited St Patrick’s College Banbridge as part of their educational engagement pilot.

Pupils doing the GCSE in Learning for Life and Work were informed about the work of the NIHRC. They discussed the importance of human rights in society as part of their Local and Global Citizenship module.

Students watched a short film about hidden homelessness in Northern Ireland created by the NIHRC and the Simon Community.

Principal of St Patrick’s College, Roisin Woods said:

“The Learning for Life and Work Curriculum is central in helping young people develop as active contributors to society and to help them make informed choices. We were delighted to welcome representatives from the NI Human Rights Commission to enlighten our students about many issues including what their human rights are and what they can do if their rights are violated. This is a core part of the GCSE curriculum and also invaluable information in preparation for adult life and work. We are very grateful for the external expertise in giving our specification a real-life edge.”

Chief Commissioner, Les Allamby, commented:

“We would like to thank the staff and pupils of St Patrick’s College for providing NIHRC staff the opportunity to meet and discuss our work today. The pupils spoke passionately about the importance of human rights and the need for human rights to protect everyone in our society. We wish them the best of luck with the rest of their studies.”

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 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. The animation by the NIHRC and the Simon Community can be viewed here.