Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission information session with Migrant NI

The Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission ran an information session with participants of the Migrant and Ethnic Minority Peace Builders project, run by Migrant NI, as part of Refugee Week 2025.

The NIHRC provided a presentation focused on the work of the Commission, the human rights of asylum seekers and refugees in Northern Ireland, and how rights engage with business and sport. The Law Centre NI, who also took part in the session, gave a presentation on employment rights in Northern Ireland.

The Peace Builders project seeks to develop the scope for migrant and ethnic minority communities to have a meaningful role in Northern Irish peacebuilding work. This is structured through a programme of talks, workshops, and networking events for a cohort of lived-experience leaders from diverse communities. These events enable participants to share their experiences and insights, learn about the history of the Peace Process and the skills involved, and network with activists, peacebuilders, and decision-makers. The project has four aims: capacity building, network development, institutional change and public awareness raising.

More information about the Peace Builders project and the work of Migrant NI can be found here.

Chief Commissioner Alyson Kilpatrick said:

“We thoroughly enjoyed the information session with Migrant NI. The event provided a wonderful opportunity for shared learning and development, with the group offering valuable insights into the lived experiences of migrants, asylum seekers and refugees in Northern Ireland.

The NIHRC is committed to supporting migrants, asylum seekers and refugees to understand and better enjoy their human rights while they make Northern Ireland their home. Unless they do, the future of human rights protection for everyone in Northern Ireland is far from secure.

Thank you to Migrant NI and the project participants for their insights and enthusiasm. I would also like to say thank you to the interpreter who made the session accessible for all. We wish them all the very best for the future."

Julia Fitzpatrick, Migrant and Ethnic Minority Peace Builders Project Officer at Migrant NI commented:

"Thank you very much to the NI Human Rights Commission for delivering an engaging, detailed and fascinating workshop for the Migrant Centre NI Peace Builders project, exploring what human rights are and how the Commission works to protect them.

The knowledge shared in this workshop will be useful and empowering in people's individual lives, workplaces, and communities"

ENDS

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.

If you are interested in having the Commission speak to your group, please contact info@nihrc.org.