Proposed changes to the Human Rights Act ‘unnecessary and potentially divisive’: NI Human Rights Commission

The Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission has recommended that the Human Rights Act should be retained in its current form, noting that human rights protections for people in Northern Ireland need to be strengthened, not diluted.

The recommendation is one of a number included in our response to the UK Government’s ‘Human Rights Act Reform: A Modern Bill of Rights’ consultation.

Chief Commissioner Alyson Kilpatrick said:

The Commission believes that these proposed changes are unnecessary and potentially divisive. Human rights protection needs to be strengthened, not diluted in any way. Our written response highlights a number of serious concerns, not least the lack of consideration given to the particular circumstances of Northern Ireland.

The consultation document does not reflect the complexity of devolution or the views of people living in Northern Ireland. In particular, the failure to acknowledge the enhanced status of the Human Rights Act, because of its relevance to the Belfast (Good Friday) Agreement, is concerning.

The UK Government’s commitment to ensure that the protection of human rights is not diminished, as set out in Article 2 of the Northern Ireland/Ireland Protocol is not recognised. Moreover, the consultation has failed to consider the effect a UK Bill of Rights could have on the commitment to deliver a specific Bill of Rights for Northern Ireland.

Before going one step further, we suggest the UK Government provides further detail and explanation. In any event, before any proposed reforms bite in Northern Ireland, we suggest that the people living in here are consulted meaningfully. The Commission reminds the UK Government of the potential impact on the delicate peace process of altering the Human Rights Act or diminishing the reach of the European Convention on Human Rights.

Given the lack of any compelling argument for reform, we call on the UK Government to abandon these proposals and instead concentrate on ensuring full protection of the rights protected by the Human Rights Act.

ENDS

Notes to Editors

For interview requests please call Jason McKeown on 07769 361 156 or jason.mckeown@nihrc.org

• Read the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission’s response to the Human Rights Act Reform: a Modern Bill of Rights’ consultation here.
• Information on the UK Government’s ‘Human Rights Act Reform: a Modern Bill of Rights’ consultation can be found here.