Speaking after the publication of the report by the Ad-Hoc Committee on a Bill of Rights at the NI Assembly, ICTU Assistant general Secretary Owen Reidy commented
This cross-party report demonstrates a majority of political parties agree with the Northern Ireland public in backing the development of a distinct Bill of Rights for Northern Ireland, as envisaged by the Belfast/Good Friday Agreement with only one party, the DUP, dissenting from this popular view.
Owen Reidy added
The trade union movement has been unwavering in it’s call for the full implementation of the Belfast/Good Friday Agreement since its endorsement in the 1998 referendum, including the Bill of Rights. The publication of the report clearly shows that the majority of political parties agree with the Northern Ireland public in supporting a Bill of Rights.
Rather than attacking human rights by threatening to withdraw the Human Rights Act, we call on the UK Government to fulfil its obligation under the B/GFA by taking a Bill of Rights to completion via Westminster legislation. Civil society, political parties and the public have all had their say. There is resounding support for advancing our own set of rights protections and the UK Government can no longer support a political veto on human rights in Northern Ireland.
