“Standing up for human rights in an uncertain global environment”

The UN Deputy High Commissioner for Human Rights Kate Gilmore will give the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission’s Annual Human Rights Lecture.

Kate Gilmore will be in Belfast to deliver the Annual Human Rights Lecture on Monday 29 April 2019. The event is being supported by the Bar of Northern Ireland.

The lecture in the Royal Courts of Justice, will include an introduction by the Lord Chief Justice, Sir Declan Morgan.

Kate Gilmore’s theme is “Standing up for human rights in an uncertain global environment.”

Chief Commissioner Les Allamby, commented:

“It is an honour to have the United Nations Deputy High Commissioner for Human Rights here with us today. Kate Gilmore is a true champion of human rights and someone well known on the international stage. The Commission invited Kate to Northern Ireland as we are keen to hear her perspective on how other communities and countries protect human rights during times of political uncertainty, and how to ensure international human rights standards are maintained when under threat from so many quarters.”

Sarah Ramsey, Chair of the Bar of Northern Ireland added:

“The Bar of Northern Ireland is proud to be hosting today’s event which promises to be an informative and timely lecture with the United Nations Deputy High Commissioner for Human Rights. We live in politically charged times and threats to the rule of law and international human rights standards are neither historically nor geographically remote. We are delighted to welcome Kate Gilmore to be our guest at the Inn of Court to share her views on this important topic”.

During her visit to Northern Ireland Kate will also be meeting with local political leaders and community representatives. She will also be speaking at an event on Sport and Human Rights in Belfast on Monday.

ENDS

Further information:

For further information please contact Claire Martin on: (028) 9024 3987 or by email on Claire.martin@nihrc.org 07717731873

Notes to Editors

1. All Media are invited to attend the Annual Human Rights Lecture. It will be held on Monday 29 April from 4-6pm at The Inn of Court in the Royal Courts of Justice, Chichester St, Belfast.

• 16.00 – 16.30 – Registration and refreshments

• 16.30 – 16.35 – Opening by Les Allamby, Chief Commissioner of the NIHRC

• 16.35 – 16.45 – Address by the Lord Chief Justice Sir Declan Morgan

• 16.45 – 17.10 – Address by Guest Speaker, Kate Gilmore

• 17.10 – 17.30 – Question and Answer session

• 17.30 – 18.00 – Close, and refreshments

Kate Gilmore was appointed United Nations Deputy High Commissioner for Human Rights on 1st December 2015. She brings to the position diverse and longstanding experience in strategic leadership and human rights advocacy with the United Nations, government and non-government organizations. Prior to joining OHCHR, Ms. Gilmore was Assistant Secretary General and Deputy Executive Director for Programmes with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA). Previously she was National Director of Amnesty International Australia and then Executive Deputy Secretary General of Amnesty International.

2. The mandate of the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) is to ensure universal enjoyment of all human rights, to remove obstacles to their effective implementation, and to enhance coordination and cooperation of human rights-related activities throughout the United Nations system. Read more here.

3. 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).