Northern Ireland
Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission (NIHRC)
Mandate
The NIHRC’s role is to promote awareness of the importance of human rights in Northern Ireland, to review existing law and practice and to advise the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland and the Executive of the Northern Ireland Assembly on what legislative or other measures ought to be taken to protect human rights in Northern Ireland.
It is specifically charged with drafting a Bill of Rights for Northern Ireland to supplement the European Convention on Human Rights (which is part of the law in Northern Ireland as a result of the passing of the Human Rights Act 1998).
In addition, the Commission is able to conduct investigations, and now has powers to enter places of detention, and to compel individuals and agencies to give oral testimony or to produce documents, through the Justice and Security Act 2007.
The Commission also has the power to assist individuals when they are bringing court proceedings, to intervene in proceedings and to bring court proceedings itself. It receives enquiries from people who believe that their human rights have been violated, and provides training and information on human rights.
The Commission was created by section 68 of the Northern Ireland Act 1998, in compliance with a commitment made by the British Government in the Belfast (Good Friday) Agreement of 10 April 1998.
The Commission started its work on 1 March 1999
Functions
The Commission’s functions are to promote awareness of the importance of human rights in Northern Ireland, to review existing law and practice and to advise the UK government on what steps need to be taken to fully protect human rights in Northern Ireland
Contact Information
Email: information@nihrc.org
Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission (NIHRC)
Temple Court
39, North Street
Belfast BT1 1NA
Northern Ireland
Tel: +44 (0)28 9024 3987
Fax: +44 (0)28 9024 7844