Human Rights Policy Statement

Human rights protection for all citizens is essential in a democratic society. The perception of human rights ‘belonging’ to certain groups to the exclusion of all others must be addressed. Human rights should follow an inclusive agenda and should embrace everyone. At its heart, community development incorporates many of the ideals of human rights. We recognise the importance of inclusion, a responsibility that falls upon civil society, and voluntary and community organisations as well as politicians.

Northern Ireland should embrace a human rights culture throughout society. Moreover, rights are intertwined with one another. Civil and political rights cannot be fully enjoyed unless social, economic and cultural rights are being met.

Instead of focusing on the cost of human rights, politicians should consider the price of not having rights respected, particularly in terms of social and economic factors and the effects on the criminal justice system. Social and economic rights are already enshrined through statutory duties to deliver social services, housing, fair pay and work. A Bill of Rights can enhance the protection and promotion of better social and economic conditions.

Government, at all levels, should show a strong commitment to human rights for all citizens by ensuring that:

• More resources are allocated to voluntary and community groups to increase knowledge and awareness of human rights, particularly groups working with children and young people and other marginalised groups.
• The Bill of Rights for Northern Ireland is strong, inclusive and comprehensive. The Human Rights Consortium, a body of over 100 groups representing a wide range of interests, has shown through its work that people informed about the process are interested in ensuring that a Bill of Rights meets the needs of all communities in Northern Ireland.
• Additional resources and powers (to compel documents and subpoena individuals) are allocated for the NI Human Rights Commission to ensure that it can achieve its objectives and membership of the Commission is reflective of the whole community, in line with international principles.
• All political parties are encouraged to engage actively in the Bill of Rights process, in association with civil society.
• International human rights treaties are fully complied with and the concluding observations from the various treaty monitoring bodies fully implemented.
• There is an effective mechanism for the scrutiny of policies for human rights compatibility.