The Commission celebrates this important occasion which marks a new beginning as far as the legal system in Northern Ireland is concerned. The Human Rights Commission has produced publications and is working with colleagues in government and with local community and voluntary sector networks to help the general public understand what the Act means for them. We are required, by statute, to advise the Secretary of State on what rights should be conferred upon people on Northern Ireland in addition to those conferred by the European Convention. These additional rights, together with the European Convention rights, are to form a Bill of Rights for Northern Ireland. The Human Rights Commission looks forward to an increased awareness of human rights protections and an increased debate among the public, the legal system, and those engaged in determining public policy and practice.
Today is an important and progressive first step.
Notes for Editors 1. The Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission was established on 1 March 1999 as a result of legislation enacted following the Good Friday Agreement. One of its statutory functions is to keep under review the adequacy and effectiveness in Northern Ireland of law practice relating to human rights. It can also assist applicants with court proceedings and can initiate court proceedings in its own name. A copy of Professor Dickson s speech is available from the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission.