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Martin O’Brien

@mobrienbelfast.bsky.social
303 followers 612 following 27 posts

Human rights activist and former philanthropoid. Director of @SCI-Belfast.bsky.social. Views are my own.

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Martin O’Brien @mobrienbelfast.bsky.social · 16/12/2025
Important read here. www.irishtimes.com/opinion/2025...
irishtimes.com
Liam Herrick: Why has Ireland abruptly decided the European Convention on Human Rights goes too far?
Precedent could have far-reaching consequences. Who is to say the rights of gay citizens won’t be the next target by a coalition of hostile states?
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Martin O’Brien @mobrienbelfast.bsky.social · 10/12/2025
Important new report. Well worth a look.
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Social Change Initiative @sci-belfast.bsky.social · 17/11/2025
Last week we welcomed 28 Community and Youth Work students from Maynooth University. SCI's Director, Martin O'Brien, was delighted to meet them and talk about working for social change and the current situation in Belfast.
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The Policy Institute @policyatkings.bsky.social · 20/10/2025
🤝 Delighted to see our partners @sci-belfast.bsky.social using findings from our work on the World Values Survey to engage community leaders in Northern Ireland in conversations on attitudes, values and how to tackle division in the country ➡️ www.socialchangeinitiative.com/values-lesso...
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Martin O’Brien @mobrienbelfast.bsky.social · 09/11/2025
Maynooth looking pretty special this week. Some stunning trees.
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Martin O’Brien @mobrienbelfast.bsky.social · 05/11/2025
Great to be back again in South Africa to mark 10 years of the Constitutionalism Fund an initiative of @atlantic, @FordFoundation & @OpenSociety. $29m of grant awards made to advance the realisation of the rights provided for in the South African Constitution
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Martin O’Brien @mobrienbelfast.bsky.social · 27/09/2025
Great to see former @sci-belfast.bsky.social intern Allison Tate being included among this prestigious group of young leaders.
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Martin O’Brien @mobrienbelfast.bsky.social · 29/07/2025
Powerful speech from Mary Robinson on the “unconscionable” situation in Gaza. youtu.be/DIvzIEP-OUg
youtu.be
Former Irish President Delivers Keynote Address at UN Conference on Israel-Palestine | AQ1G
YouTube video by DRM News
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Donncha O’Connell @donnchalaw.bsky.social · 16/07/2025
Irish lawyer, Michael Farrell, quits Council of Europe rights body over silence on Gaza | Irish Legal News www.irishlegal.com/articles/iri...
irishlegal.com
Irish lawyer quits European rights body over silence on Gaza
Ireland's long-standing representative on a Council of Europe human rights body has resigned over its failure to speak out on Gaza. Human rights lawyer Michael Farrell has been a member of the Europea...
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Martin O’Brien @mobrienbelfast.bsky.social · 15/07/2025
Important job opportunity here to lead one of Ireland’s most effective change making organisations. Well worth a look.
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Social Change Initiative @sci-belfast.bsky.social · 18/06/2025
Hanny was in Belfast for an SCI Board meeting, and we’re delighted he made time to share his insights and expertise on the current situation in Syria with some of our local network of changemakers.
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Social Change Initiative @sci-belfast.bsky.social · 18/06/2025
This morning, we welcomed guests for a briefing on the situation in Syria with Hanny Megally, member of the UN Commission of Inquiry on Syria and SCI Board member.
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Martin O’Brien @mobrienbelfast.bsky.social · 18/06/2025
Important piece here. Worth a read.
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Donncha O’Connell @donnchalaw.bsky.social · 24/05/2025
Council of Europe rejects political pressure from nine states on European Court of Human Rights www.euronews.com/my-europe/20...
euronews.com
Council of Europe rejects political pressure on ECHR in Meloni reply
Council of Europe Secretary Alain Berset defends the independence of the European Court of Human Rights, emphasizing the importance of preserving its impartiality amid ongoing debates on migration. #E...
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Donncha O’Connell @donnchalaw.bsky.social · 25/05/2025
Might be worth noting that this recommendation to place an exceptional non-jury court on a permanent footing was made by four members of a six-member review group with two members dissenting. Minority report available here: oasareview.ie/wp-content/upl…
oasareview.ie
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Martin O’Brien @mobrienbelfast.bsky.social · 23/05/2025
Powerful letter. Long past time for the government to act.
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Martin O’Brien @mobrienbelfast.bsky.social · 15/05/2025
Delighted to see this really important work by Dermot Devlin @mywayaccess.bsky.social supported by @BrianPelan from @VIEWdigital. Hope it leads to some much needed change.
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Martin O’Brien @mobrienbelfast.bsky.social · 09/04/2025
Great news. So well deserved.
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Social Change Initiative @sci-belfast.bsky.social · 02/04/2025
Communities in Northern Ireland are becoming more diverse, with residents bringing new cultures and lived experiences that go beyond the traditional. At SCI, we see this as an exciting opportunity to build new, inclusive forms of activism. (1/3)
A digital graphic design promoting the Black Activist Leadership Initiative by the Social Change Initiative. The image features the SCI logo in the top centre, the centre of the image showcases a bold black raised fist symbol, a widely recognised sign of resistance and solidarity. At the bottom, a yellow banner spans the width of the image, displaying the words 'BLACK ACTIVIST LEADERSHIP INITIATIVE' in bold, uppercase, black letters.
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Martin O’Brien @mobrienbelfast.bsky.social · 29/03/2025
Important new report. Well worth a read.
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Martin O’Brien @mobrienbelfast.bsky.social · 16/03/2025
Stunning sky tonight in #MalinHead. Tory Island in the distance.
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Martin O’Brien @mobrienbelfast.bsky.social · 08/03/2025
Somebody’s enjoying a stunning day in #Donegal
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Professor Ursula Kilkelly @ursulak.bsky.social · 22/02/2025
Great interview from Liam Herrick Chief Commissioner of @ihrec.bsky.social on Ireland's legal obligations to asylum seekers. www.rte.ie/radio/radio1...
rte.ie
IHREC on how the state is treating migrants
Niall Collins, Minister of State at the Department of Justice; Claire Kerrane, Sinn Féin TD for Roscommon–Galway; Peadar Tóibín, Aontú leader; Liam Herrick, Chief Commissioner of the Irish Human Right...
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Social Change Initiative @sci-belfast.bsky.social · 17/02/2025
In December 2024, @deepaiyer.bsky.social and @bulldogshadow.bsky.social explored the impact of the US election on democracy and human rights worldwide in an online conversation hosted by SCI. This takeaway is just one of many. Read more 👉 www.socialchangeinitiative.com/cultivating-...
“Authoritarianism is not limited to the US but part of a global trend. Lessons from other countries can provide valuable insights for the US context.”

Cultivating solidarity and hope in a fractured world
A conversation following the US election
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Social Change Initiative @sci-belfast.bsky.social · 21/02/2025
Our Participatory Journalism Fellowship supports independent storytellers who are highlighting underrepresented voices and shedding light on overlooked issues. They explore a range of social, economic, and political topics, offering diverse perspectives on key challenges.
Image shows pictures of all Participatory Journalism Fellows. 
TOP from left to right: Brian Pelan, Elton Sibanda, Clodagh Traynor, Harry Bateman.
BOTTOM from left to right: Tommy Greene, Martin Ward, Colm Teague, Claire Dickson.
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Social Change Initiative @sci-belfast.bsky.social · 21/02/2025
Today, we’re hosting our Participatory Journalism fellows for a day of sharing, learning, and collaboration. They will be able to present their work, exchange ideas, and support each other in shaping their stories.
SCI's team sitting with the Participatory Journalism fellows sitting around a large, white conference table in a professional meeting room. Some are taking notes, while others are listening attentively. A SCI banner is visible in the background, along with a large window allowing natural light into the room. Laptops, documents, and coffee cups are scattered across the table.
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Social Change Initiative @sci-belfast.bsky.social · 21/02/2025
To learn more about our journalism fellows and their projects, visit 👉 socialchangeinitiative.com/team. @brianone.bsky.social @shaunacorr.bsky.social @mobrienbelfast.bsky.social
socialchangeinitiative.com
Our Team | Social Change Initiative
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Social Change Initiative @sci-belfast.bsky.social · 30/01/2025
Delighted to be supporting this important Community Foundation NI conference on Building Solidarity & Tackling Racism with NICVA & Africa House.
Photo by NICVA - Dr. Nazia Latif speaking from a podium at the conference.Image shows the event invitation. 

'You are invited to Building Solidarity: Understanding the Political and Societal Context of Racist Violence in Northern Ireland'
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Martin O’Brien @mobrienbelfast.bsky.social · 30/01/2025
Improved legislation & measures to tackle racism are needed & important but we must also focus on moving beyond “emotional solidarity” to deliver more “practical & strategic solidarity” with people of colour - says Dr Nazia Latif @CFNIreland Building Solidarity conference
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Social Change Initiative @sci-belfast.bsky.social · 28/01/2025
We are hiring an Administrator & Events Coordinator. For full job details, visit 👉http://socialchangeinitiative.com/vacancies

Join Our Team
We are hiring an Administrator & Events Coordinator. 

For full job details, visit:
socialchangeinitiative.com/vacancies
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Martin O’Brien @mobrienbelfast.bsky.social · 27/01/2025
Take a look at this new useful report from @pivotalppf.bsky.social on the work of the Northern Ireland Government. Great assessment of the progress made since restoration & the areas where action is still very much needed.
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Social Change Initiative @sci-belfast.bsky.social · 22/01/2025
We are hiring an Administrator & Events Coordinator. For full job details, visit 👉socialchangeinitiative.com/vacancies

Join Our Team
We are hiring an Administrator & Events Coordinator. 

For full job details, visit:
socialchangeinitiative.com/vacancies
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Martin O’Brien @mobrienbelfast.bsky.social · 08/01/2025
Great job opportunity to lead @ChildLawCentre, championing the rights of children. Very big shoes to fill at one of Northern Ireland’s most effective change making organisations. Please spread the word. engageexec.co.uk/childrens-law-cent…
engageexec.co.uk
Children’s Law Centre CEO - Engage Executive Talent
Who we are: Founded on the principles laid down in the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC), we were established in 1997 to provide legal advice to children and young people. We have since...
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Karol Balfe @karolbalfe.bsky.social · 05/01/2025
The unfinished business of realising women's rights. Despite these structural obstacles, women and girls are driving change. Today's Mail on Sunday features some extraordinary women ActionAidworks with @actionaidie.bsky.social
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Karol Balfe @karolbalfe.bsky.social · 28/12/2024
The Occupied Territories Bill must be a priority for the new government and not be watered down www.irishexaminer.com/opinion/colu...
irishexaminer.com
Elaine Loughlin: In forming a government, the main parties must not stray towards the parish pump
From housing to health, there is a lengthy list of issues the public need to see progress on before the parochial bartering of local allocations and ministerial positions in talks with Independent TDs
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Martin O’Brien @mobrienbelfast.bsky.social · 19/12/2024
As we come towards the end of the year take a look at this excellent little video on the power of the Universal Declaration. Important to be reminded of what it says. m.youtube.com/watch?v=pEYp...
m.youtube.com
For Our Family Human
YouTube video by Smiley News
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Martin O’Brien @mobrienbelfast.bsky.social · 17/12/2024
Important judgment today for press freedom in the UK and further vindication for journalists @barrybelfast70.bsky.social and Trevor Birney.
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Joseph Rowntree Foundation @jrf-uk.bsky.social · 16/12/2024
Two new job roles in our Northern Ireland office 🚨 Are you passionate about delivering change? Do you have experience of working on antipoverty issues? Are you a team player who can work with colleagues across the sector in Northern Ireland? Sounds like you? Read this thread 🔽 1/3
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Martin O’Brien @mobrienbelfast.bsky.social · 12/12/2024
Special event today with Joan Baez at The Heaney HomePlace in Bellaghy. Great session about her activism, music & poetry. Highlight a rendition of “Ain’t gonna let nobody turn me ‘round. Ain’t gonna let bigotry or hate turn me ‘round. Gonna keep on talkin, keep on marching up to freedom land.”
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Andrew Stroehlein @andrewstroehlein.bsky.social · 10/12/2024
Any decision to return should be voluntary and up to Syrians.
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Andrew Stroehlein @andrewstroehlein.bsky.social · 10/12/2024
The only thing faster than the Syrian opposition forces' toppling of Assad in recent days has been European politicians promoting hate against Syrian refugees... www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2024...
theguardian.com
UK and other European states suspend Syrians’ asylum applications
Austria prepares ‘repatriation and deportation’ programme to country where president has just been deposed
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Peter Heaney @peadarheaney.bsky.social · 04/12/2024
Trócaire with QUB are looking forward to hosting this event on Monday coming as part of NI Human Rights Festival. Featuring speakers from both Guatemala and the ever exotic Tyrone it'll be an interesting look at business, human rights and the environment. www.nihrf.com/events/commu...
nihrf.com
Communities Against Corporate Power — Northern Ireland Human Rights Festival
Join Trócaire and the Human Rights Centre at Queen’s University Belfast for this fascinating event where will we hear from two grassroots organisations from Ireland and Guatemala campaigning for justi...
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Social Change Initiative @sci-belfast.bsky.social · 06/12/2024
We are delighted to celebrate migrant rights activist and SCI Fellow, @tbuczkowska.bsky.social, on winning the Women of Europe - Woman in Media award! This recognition highlights her outstanding work on migration narratives and her dedication to fostering inclusion and inspiring leadership.
Image shows Teresa smiling while holding her awardImage shows a picture of Teresa followed by caption:

'And the winner is: Teresa Buczkowska. Journalist, Writer and Founder of the Migrant Vote'
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Martin O’Brien @mobrienbelfast.bsky.social · 04/12/2024
Brilliant lecture tonight by @patrick-corrigan.bsky.social at QUB Human Rights Centre to honour the legacy of the great Stephen Livingstone. Reminder of the progress made & the journey still to travel to ensure human rights for all. Hope the text can be widely circulated.
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Martin O’Brien @mobrienbelfast.bsky.social · 29/11/2024
Very much looking forward to this important conversation. Chance to hear from two of the US’s most thoughtful change makers @bulldogshadow.bsky.social @deepaiyer.bsky.social
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Andrew Stroehlein @andrewstroehlein.bsky.social · 27/11/2024
International Criminal Court chief prosecutor has asked judges to issue an arrest warrant for the head of #Myanmar’s military regime for crimes committed against the country’s Rohingya Muslim minority. - AP: apnews.com/article/icc-... Links to background: www.hrw.org/the-day-in-h...
apnews.com
ICC prosecutor requests arrest warrants for the head of Myanmar's military regime
The International Criminal Court’s chief prosecutor has asked judges to issue an arrest warrant for the head of Myanmar’s military regime for crimes committed against the country’s Rohingya Muslim min...
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Mike Tomlinson @miketqub.bsky.social · 22/11/2024
The idea that “growth” will solve all our problems is misguided. There are better ways to measure national wellbeing than GDP. www.theguardian.com/business/202...
theguardian.com
A better way to measure the nation’s wellbeing | Letter
Letter: Dr Jon Mulberg on why GDP isn’t the best gauge of economic health
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Rory O'Connell @rjjoconnell.bsky.social · 19/11/2024
Now published online 'European Union Developments in Equality and Human Rights' www.equalityni.org/ECNI/media/E...
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Colin Harvey @cjharvey1.bsky.social · 20/11/2024
What could substantive root and branch reform of the ICRIR look like? Further information and registration here: www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/what-could...
QUB Human Rights Centre
"What could substantive root and branch reform of the ICRIR look like? And would it be enough?"
Thursday, November 28th 2:30 - 4pm
School of Law, Main Site Tower, QUB (Moot Court - MST.02.006)
Chair - Professor Anna Bryson
2.30 Welcome - Professor Colin Harvey, Director of the Human Rights Centre
2.40 Presentation of Report and Q&A - Daniel Holder, Director CA)
3.20 Perspective of NI Human Rights Commission - Alyson Kilpatrick - Chief Commissioner
1.35 maus from NGOS: Amnesy, Relates for Justice, Pat Fincane Centre, Rights and Security
Followed by discussion
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Social Change Initiative @sci-belfast.bsky.social · 20/11/2024
Our Resources for Change offer a diverse toolkit for activists and funders on topics like tackling extremism, narrative change, strategic litigation, campaigning, peacebuilding, among others 👉 socialchangeinitiative.com/resources-for-change #SocialChange #PeaceBuilding #Activism
Discover key resources to support activists and funders in driving positive change.

socialchangeinitiative.com/resources-for-change
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