Publications

Progress Report on Implementation of Recommendations from the Investigation ‘Relationships and Sexuality Education in Post-Primary Schools in Northern Ireland: A Compelling Case for Reform’

Date produced: August 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.

Recommendations and their implementation status:

1. The NIHRC recommends that the Education (Curriculum Minimum Content) Order (NI) 2007 is amended to reflect the CEDAW Committee recommendation 86(d) to “make age-appropriate, comprehensive and scientifically accurate education on sexual and reproductive health and rights a compulsory component of curriculum for adolescents, covering prevention of early pregnancy and access to abortion, and monitor its implementation.” – Implementation status: Effective Implementation
2. The NIHRC recommends that the NI Office, with the support of the Department of Education NI, develop options for reform of the Minimum Content Order. Draft amendments should be developed to achieve the aim of ensuring that all elements of comprehensive RSE are delivered within every school in NI. The amendments should be sufficiently prescriptive to guarantee a standard level of RSE throughout all schools in NI. - Implementation status: Some steps that are assisting with implementation
3. The NIHRC recommends that the NI Office and Department of Education NI develop an implementation plan to accompany the proposed reforms to the Minimum Content Order. This should include the development of a Circular to schools providing guidance on the key elements of ‘comprehensive’ RSE. This should be developed following engagement with relevant stakeholders and experts to ensure that RSE programmes are inclusive and meet the educational needs of young people with diverse gender and sexual identities, ethnic minority students and disabled students. -Implementation status: Limited steps that have had little effect in terms of implementation
4. The Department of Education NI should support schools to amend their policies and procedures relating to RSE to ensure they fully take into account any reforms to the Minimum Content Order. - Implementation status: Limited steps that have had little effect in terms of implementation
5. In line with the pre-existing arrangements for monitoring the delivery of the curriculum it is recommended that the ETI amend their oversight arrangements to ensure that schools are appropriately delivering the new elements of the Minimum Content Order. The ETI should develop new arrangements for engaging with children and young people during their assessment of RSE provision. - Implementation status: Effective implementation
6. The NIHRC recommends that the implementation of the required amendments to the Minimum Content Order should be informed by the views and educational needs of young people. Care should be taken to ensure that engagement and consultation considers the needs of students with diverse gender and sexual identities, ethnic minority students and disabled students. - Implementation status: Some steps that are assisting with implementation
7. The Department of Education NI should support schools to include students in co-developing and evaluating RSE policies. - Implementation status: Limited steps that have had little effect in terms of implementation
8. The NIHRC recommends the Department of Education engage with teachers to invite their views on the supports they require to enable them to competently deliver RSE to post primary school children. - Implementation status: Limited steps that have had little effect in terms of implementation
9. The NIHRC recommends that the Department of Education engage with teacher training colleges in Northern Ireland (Stranmillis University College, St Mary’s University College, Queen’s University Belfast and Ulster University) to ensure their programmes adequately educate newly qualified teachers in the provision of RSE. The Department of Education NI should also consider arrangements for the continuing professional development of members of the teaching profession, to ensure they are trained in the delivery of comprehensive, scientifically accurate RSE. - Implementation status: Limited steps that have had little effect in terms of implementation
10. The NIHRC recommends that the Department of Education NI develop additional guidance for schools on how to establish effective partnerships with external RSE providers. This should include guidance on ensuring that programmes and resources are compliant with international human rights standards. - Implementation status: Some steps that are assisting with implementation
11. The CCEA should review resources provided under the RSE hub to ensure they meet the requirements set out in CEDAW Committee recommendation 86(d). – Implementation status: Effective Implementation
12. The NIHRC recommends that the RSE Curriculum is regularly evaluated and revised by the Department of Education NI, in order to ensure that it is accurate, human rights compliant, and adapting to emerging needs. Regular updates should be provided to the NI Assembly Committee for Education. - Implementation status: Limited steps that have had little effect in terms of implementation
13. The NIHRC recommends that the Secretary of State NI put in place ongoing arrangements to monitor the effectiveness of any measures taken to bring about implementation of the UN CEDAW Committee recommendation 86(d) in NI. - Implementation status: Some steps that are assisting with implementation