Publications

What is on this page

The House of Commons Women and Equalities Committee examined community cohesion at a local and national level in the UK. The inquiry aimed to gather diverse evidence and investigate barriers to cohesion, examples of best practice and how to ensure cohesion for the next generation. This is the Commission’s written evidence to the inquiry.

Who is this page for?

  • Political Representatives
  • Legal Representatives
  • Academics
  • Members of the Public
  • NI Assembly
  • NI Executive
  • Civil Society Organisations
  • Joint Committee on Human Rights
  • Department of Justice
  • Northern Ireland Office

NIHRC Submission to the Women and Equalities Committee’s Inquiry into Community Cohesion

Last Updated: Wednesday, 12 March 2025

Date produced: January 2025

Below is a summary of the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission's (NIHRC) recommendations and messages.
You can also download the full document through the links provided.

Summary of Recommendations
2.12 The NIHRC recommends that sufficient and sustained long-term resources are allocated to the programme to end paramilitarism, and that consistent monitoring is established to ensure the steps taken to end paramilitarism in NI are reflective of the Independent Reporting Commission’s recommendations.

2.13 The NIHRC recommends that effective steps are taken to address paramilitary links to racist, xenophobic and coercive control incidents and crimes in NI. This includes investigating, prosecuting and punishing such incidents and crimes and ensuring an effective remedy for victims and survivors. It also includes developing specific programmes aimed at challenging and neutralising racist, xenophobic and controlling views, perceptions or disinformation, and building sustainable good relations. It should also involve the Police Service of NI, and other relevant bodies, building enduring relationships and undertaking meaningful engagement with affected individuals and representative organisations.

3.4 The NIHRC recommends that concrete steps are taken to promptly and robustly eradicate paramilitary and sectarian intimidation that cause families to be forced out of their homes. This requires a collaborative approach with housing providers, Police Service of NI and community representatives.

3.6 The NIHRC recommends that comprehensive equality data on housing in NI is regularly gathered, monitored, evaluated and published. This data should be disaggregated in a way that reflects NI society. In cooperation with housing providers, Police Service of NI and community representatives should take prompt, effective steps to address and eradicate any inequalities that are identified.

3.11 The NIHRC is concerned about the recent development on removal of intimidation points, and continues to recommend that there is consideration of the housing selection scheme in NI to ensure that it considers properly an applicant’s circumstances and protects those facing dangers, reflecting up-to-date challenges faced by individuals and households in NI.

3.12 The NIHRC recommends that an official mechanism to appeal housing selection decisions is in place, which is effectively implemented and monitored.

4.4 The NIHRC recommends that the Unauthorised Encampments (NI) Order 2005 is promptly repealed.

5.6 The NIHRC recommends that the Integrated Education Act 2022 is fully utilised and prompt action is taken to ensure integrated education provision in NI meets demand, including providing the necessary support for schools that self-nominate to transition to an integrated school.

5.12 The NIHRC recommends that long-term, secure funding for shared education is guaranteed in NI. This includes ensuring that any potential negative effect on funding of shared education due to the UK leaving the EU will be adequately and appropriately mitigated.


Relevant Documents
The Commission’s submission drew heavily from the Annual Statement 2024.

Download Documents

    Related Documents