Northern Ireland Office

Human Rights Minister, David Hanson MP today launched a short period of consultation on the remit and membership of the Bill of Rights Forum.

Establishment of the Forum, and the timeframe for it to convene its inaugural meeting was announced following discussions at St Andrews.

Acknowledging that there is a very tight timetable, David Hanson said: “I am confident that there is a momentum to take forward the important work on a Bill of Rights for Northern Ireland and I want to build on this by getting the Forum set up quickly.

“In keeping with the arrangements announced at St Andrews, it is my intention that the Forum should convene its inaugural meeting in December 2006 and I would therefore encourage all those who have an interest to let us have their comments promptly.”

The Minister emphasised that the Forum’s work will inform the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission in fulfilling its statutory duty to provide advice to the Secretary of State on the scope for defining, in Westminster legislation, rights supplementary to those in the European Convention on Human Rights reflecting the particular circumstances of Northern Ireland.

Comments on the document are welcome from all interested organisations and individuals before the deadline of 5:00pm on Tuesday 28 November.

Notes to Editors

Copies of the consultation paper, ‘A Forum on a Bill of Rights’ can be obtained telephoning 020 7210 6585.

A response can be submitted by letter, e-mail or fax to:

Bill of Rights Forum Consultation
Human Rights and Equality Unit
Northern Ireland Office
11 Millbank
London
SW1P 4PN
fax: 020 7210 0248

Please ensure that responses are clearly marked as ‘a response to the consultation on the Bill of Rights Forum’.