Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission

Picture with a woman in a colourful costume. Next to her, a text that reads "Féile an Phobail. Ireland’s Biggest Community Arts Festival. 2025"

The Féile an Phobail is on now until 10 August.

Check out their programme here: feilebelfast.com

The EastSide Arts Festival has begun, running from 24 July - 2 August.

Check out their programme here: www.eastsidearts.net/eastside-art...

Young people sit on brightly coloured chairs in a circle, with a person giving a presentation from the front

NIHRC staff were delighted to deliver a workshop with a Mencap NI HEROES Project group in Dundonald last week.

Thanks to all the young people for taking part and talking to us about their rights!

@mencap.org.uk

Today marks the start of Belfast Pride Festival, running from 18-27 July!

For more information and the Festival guide, check out: belfastpride.com/belfast-prid...

The NIHRC office will be closed on Monday 14th and Tuesday 15th July, reopening on Wednesday 16th July.

The NIHRC Annual Report and Accounts 2024-25 have been published.

Find out more and download the full document here: nihrc.org/publication/...

Small stage and gazebo on grass with a speaker holding a microphone, people standing in the background

NIHRC condemns the recent racist acts across Northern Ireland as violations on the human rights of people within our communities.

Read the Chief Commissioner's comments at the recent Great Refugee Picnic: nihrc.org/news/detail/...

People sit around a boardroom table, looking away from the camera at a screen.

The NI Sport and Human Rights Forum recently met to explore the role of sport in tackling racism.

Members heard from speakers including the UEFA Foundation, Street NI, Dr John Fernandes from Cardiff Met University, and Alternatives Restorative Justice.

Read more here: nihrc.org/news/detail/...

NIHRC and Equality Commission logos

The Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission and @equalitycommni.bsky.social have raised concerns about how the UK Government’s welfare reform plans, including recently approved legislation, will have a negative impact upon persons with disabilities.

Read more here: nihrc.org/news/detail/...

Photo of the inside of the Palais des Nations, where NIHRC attended a seminar.

Yesterday, NIHRC attended a UN seminar in the Palais des Nations on experiences and practices related to the establishment and strengthening of national mechanisms for implementation, reporting and follow-up.

Nine people sitting in a boardroom. A presentation can be seen on a television screen that reads UEFA Foundation for Children. NI and Human Rights Forum Meeting.

Today, the NI Sport and Human Rights Forum met to explore tackling racism through sport, chaired by Commonwealth Games NI, with excellent contributions from Street Soccer NI, Alternatives Restorative Justice, UEFA Foundation for Children and Dr John Fernandes from Cardiff Metropolitan University.

Publication - NIHRC briefing on the ‘The Environment, Human Rights and the Windsor Framework’ independent research report | Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission NIHRC briefing on the ‘The Environment, Human Rights and the Windsor Framework’ independent research report- The Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission (NIHRC) is a national human rights institution...

NIHRC also published a briefing note highlighting key points in the report and outlining the Commission’s recommendations.

Thank you to the report authors Dr Ciara Brennan, Dr Mary Dobbs, Alison Hough BL, Dr Orla Kelleher, and Dr Lisa Claire Whitten.

Read the note here: nihrc.org/publication/...

(From left to right) Photo of report author Dr Mary Dobbs, report author Dr Orla Kelleher, report author Dr Ciara Brennan, NIHRC Policy and Research Officer Dr Ivanka Antova, NIHRC Commissioner Helen Henderson and NIHRC Chief Executive Dr David Russell. Each of them are holding a copy of the NIHRC independent research report, 'The Environment, Human Rights and the Windsor Framework'.

Today, NIHRC released a new independent research report, titled ‘The Environment, Human Rights and the Windsor Framework’.

The report examines the relationship between Windsor Framework Article 2 and environmental protections.

Read the report: nihrc.org/publication/...

Image of NIHRC publication on the Environment, Human Rights and the Windsor Framework

Looking forward to the @nihrc.bsky.social launch of The Environment, Human Rights and the Windsor Framework

Éilis Haughey offers closing remarks.

Éilis Haughey, Director of the NIHRC Human Rights After Brexit unit, offers closing remarks at today’s research launch by thanking attendees and the report authors, and inviting attendees to remain engaged with NIHRC’s work on Windsor Framework Article 2.

Dr Ivanka Antova presents the advice and recommendations of the NIHRC, as set out in our briefing paper.

NIHRC Policy and Research Officer Dr Ivanka Antova presents the findings of the NIHRC briefing paper, written to accompany the ‘The Environment, Human Rights and the Windsor Framework’ independent research report.

Read more about NIHRC’s recommendations here: nihrc.org/publication/...

A photo of the event room, with Dr Lisa Claire Whitten on screen via Zoom responding to an audience question.

Following the presentation of the report research findings, the report authors open the floor to a Q&A with attendees both in person and online.

Dr Orla Kelleher presents research findings at the podium.

Dr Orla Kelleher provides an overview of one of the research report case studies, which focuses on air quality standards and any diminutions experienced as a result of EU exit.

Dr Lisa Claire Whitten presents her research findings remotely via Zoom.

Dr Lisa Claire Whitten discusses the relationship between Brexit and environmental protection in NI, stating that, prior to EU exit, the regulatory role of the EU provided a strong minimum standard for environmentalism and human rights, and outlines the effectiveness of subsequent UK mechanisms.

Dr Mary Dobbs presenting research findings at a podium.

Dr Mary Dobbs (@Mdobbs26.bsky.social) comments on the relevance of the "Six-Step" Test in SPUC in relation to Windsor Framework Article 2 and the environment, and outlines the nature of protection provided by Article 2

Dr Ciara Brennan presents report research in front a white holding slide while standing at a podium.

Dr Ciara Brennan, Director of @ejni.bsky.social, states that human rights and the environment is a rapidly developing area of law, and highlights that "systemic failure to respond to environmental degradation has significant implications for human rights in both NI and the Republic of Ireland."

NIHRC Commissioner Helen Henderson speaking from a podium in front of a purple holding slide.

Helen Henderson, Commissioner at NIHRC, states in her opening remarks that "there has been an increasing recognition of the links between human rights obligations and the environment... environmental degradation and climate change threaten to weaken those rights."

Dr David Russell, Chief Executive of NIHRC, speaking at a podium.

Dr David Russell, Chief Executive of the NIHRC, welcomes attendees and highlights the “growing body of jurisprudence which recognises that the enjoyment of human rights is contingent on the State taking action to prevent environmental degradation and tackle climate action.”

A photo of two hands in front of a purple pop up banner reading "Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission". One holds a copy of the 'The Environment, Human Rights and the Windsor Framework", and the other holds a copy of the NIHRC briefing paper.

The launch of our new independent research report, ‘The Environment, Human Rights and the Windsor Framework’ and our accompanying briefing paper is about to begin!

Read the research report here: nihrc.org/publication/...

Read the NIHRC briefing paper here: nihrc.org/publication/...

Five people stand under a gazebo with a purple NIHRC sign to the left, and a red setter dog in front.

NIHRC staff joined Chief Commissioner, Alyson Kilpatrick, at the Great Refugee Picnic on Saturday.

We talked to attendees, distributed information and enjoyed the culture, food and music at the event.

Thank you for having us!

#RefugeeWeek

People sitting in a U shaped table. At the front, NIHRC staff are presenting the work of the Commission. Three pop-up banners can be seen: one with the NIHRC logo and two with the Migrant Centre NI logo.

Yesterday, we were at Migrant Centre NI talking about the work of the Commission, human rights, and more. @lawcentreni.org also joined the workshop, talking about their work and giving advice regarding employment and migrant worker’s rights.

Thank you to all attendees for their engagement!

Alyson Kilpatrick in foreground speaking into a microphone, NIHRC purple banner behind her

On World Refugee Day, Chief Commissioner Alyson Kilpatrick emphasises that human rights are for everyone, regardless of their race, nationality or immigration status.

Read the full statement here: nihrc.org/news/detail/...

@unhcr.org @uk.unhcr.org

#RefugeeWeek #WorldRefugeeDay

Members of NIHRC staff with young people from the Mencap Heroes programme.

Yesterday, NIHRC ran a workshop with an amazing group of young people from the @mencap.org.uk Heroes+ programme in Bangor!

We spoke to them about human rights, the work of the Commission, sports and human rights, and more. Thank you to all the young people for their enthusiasm and engagement!

A NIHRC staff member at the Big Sanctuary Information Fair. He is sitting at a table, in front of a large purple pop up banner that reads "Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission".

NIHRC is at the Big Sanctuary Information Fair at @qubelfastofficial.bsky.social as part of #RefugeeWeek!

We’re here until 7pm talking about human rights and the work of the Commission.

Group work

@nihrc.bsky.social and @qubelfastofficial.bsky.social staff led a session to discuss shaping the next steps of business and human rights in NI. Finally, Prof Harry van Buren @hjvb3.bsky.social concluded the session. Thank you to all participants and speakers for joining us!