Northern Ireland Community Relations Council - About Us - News - Secretary of State affirms the Government's Commitment ot a Bill of Rights for NI

30 November 2009

Today’s publication of a consultation paper on a Bill of Rights for Northern Ireland underlines the Government’s commitment to a strong human rights framework which is for the benefit of everyone, Secretary of State Shaun Woodward MP has said.

The Secretary of State has said that the future of Northern Ireland must be based on partnership, equality and mutual respect and has urged everyone to read the consultation paper and give their views on the next steps towards a Bill of Rights for Northern Ireland.

The public consultation on a Bill of Rights for Northern Ireland will run until March 1, 2010.

Shaun Woodward said:

“This consultation on a Bill of Rights for Northern Ireland is a further milestone on the road from the St Andrews Agreement and, before that, the Belfast Agreement. It demonstrates our continuing commitment to a strong and effective human rights framework that will benefit everyone in Northern Ireland.

“A positive future for the people of Northern Ireland must be firmly based on partnership, equality and mutual respect. Over the past 12 years, but particularly since the restoration of devolution in May 2007, Northern Ireland has made huge progress in building that positive future.

“The fundamental principle of mutual respect for the rights and freedoms of all the people of Northern Ireland has been at the heart of this progress, and still has a crucial role to play in its future success. That is why I urge everyone with the best interests of Northern Ireland at heart to study this consultation paper carefully and to give their views.”

The Secretary of State has expressed his gratitude to the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission for their commitment and energy in leading the debate on a Bill of Rights over the past 10 years.

He said: “The work of the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission has greatly informed this consultation paper and has made a substantial contribution to the debate on rights and responsibilities across the UK.”

A copy of the consultation document can be found on the Department's website at http://www.nio.gov.uk/index/public-consultation/documents.htm.