§ Lord Lairdasked Her Majesty's Government:
What measures they have adopted to ensure that a balanced approach is taken and seen to be taken, by the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission; and how the commission plans to explain its composition and role to the unionist community. [HL1638]
§ Lord Williams of MostynAs a designated public authority, the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission is subject to the statutory equality duties set out in Section 75 of the Northern Ireland Act 1998. Its compliance with these duties is monitored by the Equality Commission for Northern Ireland in line with the procedures prescribed in Schedule 9 to that Act. This provides an important framework to ensure that the Human Rights Commission adopts a balanced approach to its work.
Appointments to the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission are a matter for the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland. In making these appointments, the Secretary of State made clear that he was satisfied that lie had fulfilled his statutory obligation to "secure, as far as practicable, that the Commissioners as a group are representative of the community in Northern Ireland".
Once appointed, it is for the commissioners collectively to decide how best to explain their work and develop their relationships with all sections of the community in Northern Ireland.