§ Linda GilroyWhat steps is the Secretary of State taking to ensure that Human Rights are respected in Northern Ireland. [74014]
§ Desmond BrowneThe introduction of the Human Rights Act plays a major role in safeguarding human rights throughout the UK as a whole, including Northern Ireland. The Human Rights Act puts human rights at the heart of policy making and operations for all public authorities and means that all public authorities, including courts and the police, must act compatibly with the Convention rights. It gives further effect throughout the UK to the rights and freedoms set out in the ECHR and provides the basis for a new culture of rights and responsibilities.
The Northern Ireland Act 1998 restricts the Northern Ireland Assembly's powers to ensure it can only pass legislation that is compatible with Convention Rights and requires all NI Ministers and Departments to act compatibly. The Act also created the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission whose remit includes making sure laws and practices conform to the European Convention, promoting awareness of human rights and offering advice and guidance to individuals. The Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission is currently considering the scope for a Bill of Rights to reflect the particular circumstances of Northern Ireland.
367WAs part of the Patten Report there has been a comprehensive programme of action to focus policing in Northern Ireland on a human rights-based approach.
The Criminal Justice Review Group recommended that human rights be made central to the justice system. In formulating their recommendations, the Review Group looked not only at the European Convention on Human Rights, but also at fifteen other international human rights standards and instruments. The entire Review was drafted with these principles in mind.
§ Tony CunninghamWhat steps is the Secretary of State taking to promote Human Rights in all communities in Northern Ireland. [74015]
§ Desmond BrowneThe introduction of the Human Rights Act plays a major role in safeguarding human rights throughout the UK as a whole, including all parts of the community in Northern Ireland. The Human Rights Act puts human rights at the heart of policy making and operations for all public authorities and means that all public authorities, including courts and the police, must act compatibly with the Convention rights. It gives further effect throughout the UK to the rights and freedoms set out in the ECHR and provides the basis for a new culture of rights and responsibilities.
The Northern Ireland Act 1998 created the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission whose remit includes making sure laws and practices conform to the European Convention, promoting awareness of human rights and offering advice and guidance to individuals. The Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission is currently considering the scope for a Bill of Rights to reflect the particular circumstances of all parts of the community in Northern Ireland. All sides are being encouraged to take part in the consultation process.