Amnesty International NI

Human rights groups criticise Troubles Bill ‘lawfare’ claims The Northern Ireland Troubles Bill is due for its second reading in the UK Parliament on Tuesday.

Human rights groups criticise Troubles Bill ‘lawfare’ claims

“Human rights protections uphold the very basic principle that no-one is above the law. Accountability strengthens trust. Impunity destroys it.” www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home...

Israeli settlement under construction in the occupied West Bank. These settlements are illegal under international law.

Northern Ireland: Call on Irish FA to back UEFA suspension of Israel after FA Ireland votes for action

“The Irish FA can’t sit this one out.

“Football cannot preach fair play on the pitch while enabling human rights violations off it.” www.amnesty.org.uk/press-releas...

It’s time to show Israel the red card. 🟥

The Israel FA is in breach of FIFA statutes and international law as it allows clubs based in the Occupied Palestinian Territory to play in its leagues.

We're calling on the Irish FA to support the call to suspend Israel FA from UEFA and FIFA competitions.

This afternoon Nigel Farage failed to pass his bill to take the UK out of the ECHR. The ECHR protects us all and we must continue to resist attempts to remove this vital safety net. History teaches us clearly: rights can be lost quickly if we don't defend them.

History teaches us clearly: rights can be lost quickly if we don't defend them.

Act now: amn.st/633227EWl4

We will be marching in Belfast tomorrow with
@belfast-ipsc.bsky.social to call for the release of Dr Hussam Abu Safiya and thousands of other Palestinians still illegally detained in Israel.

Writers’ Square, Belfast - 12pm, Saturday 25 October.

Amnesty International UK is deeply saddened by the news of this morning's attack at the Heaton Park synagogue in north Manchester and condemns this horrific act of violence that has taken the lives of... Amnesty International UK is deeply saddened by the news of this morning's attack at the Heaton Park synagogue in north Manchester and condemns this horrific act of violence that has taken the lives of...

#Manchester “Our thoughts are with the Jewish community and those affected by this appalling attack on such an important and holy day in the Jewish calendar.

“Now more than ever, it is crucial to stand in solidarity with one another."

Full statement: www.amnesty.org.uk/press-releas...

Judge Howard Morrison enters a courtroom at the International Criminal Court – © ICC-CPI

This Thursday evening Shimna College in Newcastle, Co Down will host a very timely lecture by former International Criminal Court judge Sir Howard Morrison KC:

The International Rule of Law in a Changing World Order

Free tickets: www.shimnaintegratedcollege.org/post/gordon-...

Sunday World journalist Martin O’Hagan was shot dead by paramilitaries in Northern Ireland on this day in 2001.

No one has ever been held accountable.

We demand the Police Ombudsman’s report is published — and a fresh investigation into his murder. www.amnesty.org.uk/press-releas...

New call for probe into NI journalist’s murder ahead of 24th anniversary of LVF killing The continued failure to catch the killers of journalist Martin O’Hagan is unacceptable, a human rights campaigner has said.

Ahead of the 24th anniversary of the murder of NI journalist Martin O'Hagan, Amnesty International has called for a fresh investigation into the murder.

It also wants a long-awaited report by the Police Ombudsman to be released. www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/norther...

Amnesty International has written to Northern Ireland Secretary of State Hilary Benn to request a public inquiry into unlawful state surveillance in Northern Ireland.

Amnesty's @patrick-corrigan.bsky.social spoke to Paul Clark at UTV News to explain why. #PressFreedom

MI5 admission raises troubling questions for press freedom - The Irish News view Irish News editorial on why democracy is weakened when the press is treated as a threat

MI5 admission raises troubling questions for press freedom - The @irishnews.com view

This latest disclosure should prompt urgent scrutiny of how surveillance powers are exercised and overseen. www.irishnews.com/opinion/mi5-...

Calls for ‘urgent action’ after MI5 illegally monitored ex-BBC NI journalist’s phone MI5 has admitted to illegally monitoring the mobile phone of former BBC NI home affairs correspondent Vincent Kearney.

Calls for ‘urgent action’ after MI5 illegally monitored ex-BBC NI journalist’s phone

‘A journalist’s right to protect their sources is the bedrock of a free press. This is not just about one journalist, it is about the public’s right to know the truth.’ www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/norther...

Belfast Telegraph: Unlawful surveillance of NI journalists was withheld from watchdog by PSNI Public inquiry call as reporter asks what else police failed to disclose

'Shocking' attempt to cover up police surveillance of journalists

“Unfortunately, the PSNI has shown itself to be a repeat lawbreaker when it comes to covert surveillance of journalists. These revelations strike at the heart of public trust in policing.”

More: www.amnesty.org.uk/press-releas...

Racist crimes hit record high in Northern Ireland.

Behind these figures are real families living in fear of racist hate every day.

This crisis has been developing for years, fuelled by complacency and inaction.

Northern Ireland needs an effective anti-racism strategy NOW

@amnestyni.bsky.social

Screenshot of UTV news report, featuring Patrick Corrigan, Amnesty International -- 'Northern Ireland councils asked to investigate legal status of hotels housing asylum seekers'

“The people at the heart of this story seem to be forgotten... the refugees themselves who have often fled war and persecution and are simply seeking safety for themselves and their families” - Patrick Corrigan of Amnesty International

Link www.itv.com/news/utv/202...

Amnesty supporters holding 'refugees welcome signs'

Northern Ireland: Asylum seekers deserve to live with dignity

Hotels are unsuitable for housing people seeking asylum. This judgment and further challenges must not lead to even further disruption and insecurity for refugees trying to rebuild their lives. More 👉 www.amnesty.org.uk/press-releas...

The PSNI issued warnings at the event regarding potential offences being committed. Credit: UTV

Amnesty International has called on the PSNI to “uphold people’s right to protest against the genocide being perpetrated in Gaza”.

> Police probing possible offences following pro-Palestine rally in Belfast - UTV News
www.itv.com/news/utv/202...

Protest organiser warned of potential criminal charges over Palestine Action displays in crowd Ahead of multiple protests this weekend, Derry organiser told she could face criminal action over her name being on Parades Commission documents

Amnesty International has called on the PSNI to “uphold people’s right to protest against the genocide being perpetrated in Gaza.”

“The police have obligations under the Human Rights Act and international law to facilitate the right to peaceful protest.” www.irishnews.com/news/norther...

Excerpt: I am writing regarding the policing of protest related to the proscription of Palestine Action and the violations of international human rights law that this has involved. I write following the arrest of a woman on Saturday 9th August at a Refugees Welcome rally in Belfast which I addressed. Since Palestine Action was proscribed on 5th July 2025, there have been a series of protests by groups and individuals opposed to that decision. These protests have occurred in various locations including in Northern Ireland, where protesters have displayed signs or worn t-shirts with messages such as, ‘I Oppose Genocide. I Support Palestine Action’ or similar. These protests have been entirely peaceful. Nevertheless, as you will know, very large numbers of these protesters have been arrested for offences under Sections 12 and 13 of the Terrorism Act 2000 across the UK, including now in Northern Ireland. The arrest of otherwise peaceful protesters solely for expressing the statement ‘I Oppose Genocide. I Support Palestine Action’ is a violation of the UK’s international obligations to protect the rights of freedom of expression and peaceful assembly. Further arrests on this basis would violate international human rights law. As such, we urge you to instruct your officers to comply with the UK’s international obligations and act with restraint in their response to any such protests that occur, by not arresting protesters who display messages that state they oppose genocide and support Palestine Action. Under the international human rights framework to which the UK is a party, state interference with expression and peaceful assembly must be lawful, and a necessary and proportionate means of achieving a legitimate aim. In this context, protest speech can only be criminalised if it incites violence or advocates hatred or discrimination.

Excerpt: The High Court in England & Wales has recently granted permission for Palestine Action to pursue judicial review proceedings against their proscription. In doing so the High Court has ruled that it is at least arguable that the proscription of Palestine Action was unlawful. The legal foundation for the section 12 and 13 offences under which arrests have taken place up to now is therefore in doubt, and subject to what the court referred to as a ‘serious issue to be tried’. In these circumstances, continuing to implement arrests would be a reckless use of police power, and inevitably risk breaching the test of legality. People are understandably and justifiably outraged by the ongoing genocide being committed by Israel against Palestinians in Gaza. They are entitled under international human rights law to peacefully express themselves. There is no reasonable basis for peaceful protesters to be regarded as inciting violence. It is therefore disproportionate, and a clear violation of the UK’s human rights obligations, to be arresting and treating them as terrorists. We urge you to ensure the PSNI’s approach to such protests is in compliance with the international human rights standards to which the UK has signed up.

Amnesty International has written to PSNI Chief Constable Jon Boutcher following the arrest of a woman for wearing a 'Palestine Action' T-shirt.

Arresting people on terrorism offences for wearing a T-shirt flies in the face of international human rights law. www.amnesty.org.uk/press-releas...

Say no to racism. Ten Square Hotel. Sat 9th August, 1pm. United Against Racism.

Belfast - a city of welcome.

Compassion, dignity, and human rights for all.

🧡 #RefugeesWelcome
📍 #Belfast

We analysed every line of X’s algorithm we could get our hands on.

Here’s what we found.

Read on: www.mirror.co.uk/news/politic...

Northern Ireland: Amnesty condemns 'appalling racist violence' in Ballymena Last night’s appalling racist violence in Ballymena could have cost someone their life.

Northern Ireland: Amnesty condemns 'appalling racist violence' in Ballymena www.amnesty.org.uk/press-releas...

YouTube video by Amnesty International UK Why is Northern Ireland the most dangerous place in the UK to be a journalist?

Amnesty has documented scores of death threats, bomb threats and violent attacks against journalists in Northern Ireland.

🎬 Powerful testimony from Belfast journalists Allison Morris, Paula Mackin, Richard Sullivan, Martin Breen and Steven Moore. youtu.be/eXriDvx51mE?...

YouTube video by Amnesty International UK Why is Northern Ireland the most dangerous place in the UK to be a journalist?

Amnesty has documented scores of death threats, bomb threats and violent attacks against journalists in Northern Ireland.

🎬 Powerful testimony from Belfast journalists Allison Morris, Paula Mackin, Richard Sullivan, Martin Breen and Steven Moore. youtu.be/eXriDvx51mE?...

Naomi Long urged to establish new media safety group for Northern Ireland Northern Ireland’s justice minister has been urged to establish and chair a new media safety group following a “sustained campaign of threats and violence” against journalists.

Northern Ireland’s justice minister has been urged to establish and chair a new media safety group following a “sustained campaign of threats and violence” against journalists.

NI journalists threatened with death, rape - Amnesty Journalists in Northern Ireland are regularly receiving threats from paramilitary-linked crime gangs and others angered by their work, according to a new report.

Northern Ireland journalists working in 'climate of fear' amid paramilitary threats

Journalists threatened with death, rape and bombs, Amnesty says in new report www.rte.ie/news/ulster/...

Patrick Corrigan of Amnesty International speaking at a protest against Israel's genocide in Gaza. The protest took place outside Barclays Bank in Belfast. Image shows a protestor and a police officer in the background. Photograph courtesy of Brendan Harkin.

Protest is not a threat to democracy. Protest is democracy in action.

Today we protested in Belfast against Israel's genocide in Gaza. We are part of a global movement that refuses to be cowed, refuses to be silent.

Text of my speech here: www.amnesty.org.uk/blogs/belfas...

Race crime: 'Year of hate' as incidents and crimes on the rise in NI Six of the eight highest monthly levels of race hate incidents in the PSNI data series were recorded between May and October 2024.

‘Year of hate’ as race incidents and crimes on the rise in NI

‘Last year, race hate crime hit an all-time high – a shameful milestone. The Executive’s ten-year racial equality strategy has failed. People deserve better.’ – Patrick Corrigan, Amnesty International
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...

Belfast Stands Against Racism Sunday - 12:30pm Belfast City Hall Graphic shows logos of over 120 groups which have endorsed the event

Love Belfast. Hate racism.

United Against Racism organise Belfast rally to ‘counter hatred and dangerous lies’ United Against Racism Belfast has organised a rally this weekend to send a message to “far-right racists” that they “will not gain a foothold” in the city.

Belfast anti-racism rally on Sunday to ‘counter hatred and dangerous lies’

“When people seek to divide our community, we should come together in solidarity with those targeted because of the colour of their skin, their faith or their country of origin.”
www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/norther...