How the Northern Ireland Government can safeguard Human Rights and Equality

When the Good Friday Agreement was signed in 1998, part of the agreement contained safeguards to ensure all sections of the community are protected.

The Northern Ireland Government must: (CLEP)

• Communicate: Raise awareness/educate people about Human Rights, making people aware of their Human Rights through social media campaigns, TV, advertising.

• Have Legislation: Have committees to scrutinise legislation to make sure it conforms to equality requirements.

• Review, create and enforce laws to protect Human Rights, like equality laws to ensure people are protected from discrimination and are treated equally.

• Support the work of the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission and Northern Ireland Equality Commission which work to safeguard and promote human rights.

• Educate: Ensure young people are taught about Human Rights in schools like in LLW lessons.

• Have Policies: Promote Human Rights through government policies, ensuring that government policies comply with Human Rights legislation.

• Ensure authorities/public bodies with responsibility for promoting and complying with Human Rights laws do so.

• Ensure that its ministers take a Pledge of Office to serve all the people in Northern Ireland equally, to promote equality and Human Rights.

QUESTIONS YOU COULD BE ASKED ON THIS

Explain two ways a government can promote human rights in society. (4 marks)

Communication: The government can raise awareness of human rights through campaigns and public statements, emphasising their importance to employees and the public. (2 marks)

Legislation Updates: The government can keep human rights laws current and create new ones to address gaps, ensuring better protection of individuals' rights. (2 marks)

You should also read:

1. Benefits of living in a country that supports Human Rights

2. How Human Rights can be limited by the Government

3. Laws that protect people's Human Rights in Northern Ireland