iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission @nihrc.bsky.social · 14h

How does the Commission help protect human rights? One way is by providing advice to government. The Commission has statutory functions to advise the Northern Ireland Assembly, the UK Government and Parliament on laws, policies and other measures that affect human rights in NI.

Purple graphic with the title what does advice to government mean? Text underneath says The Commission advises the Northern Ireland Assembly, the UK Government and Westminster Parliament on legislative and other measures which ought to be taken to protect human rights in NI. These statutory powers are given to us in the Northern Ireland Act 1998.

Purple graphic with a title that says Key activities include. Three bullet points below say We review draft legislation to make sure it is compatible with human rights standards. Translate international human rights treaties (like UN conventions) into concrete policy guidance. Offer advice on such other occasions as the Commission thinks appropriate.

Purple graphic that says how do we reach decision makers. Bullet points underneath say Responding to consultations, writing briefing papers, giving evidence to committee sessions, meeting ministers and officials.

120

Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission @nihrc.bsky.social · 28/09/2026

🎥 Human Rights, Homelessness Prevention and Sport Recently, we welcomed Joanne Metcalfe and colleagues from the Centre for Homelessness Impact (CHI) to Belfast for two days of discussion, learning and collaboration focused on preventing homelessness.

210

Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission @nihrc.bsky.social · 25/09/2026

Have you ever heard about Frontier Workers? In EU law, a frontier worker is a worker who lives in one country and works in another and returns home at least once a week.

Graphic promoting the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission’s Frontier Workers Case Studies Booklet. Text says the online resource helps frontier workers and their families navigate their rights following the UK’s exit from the EU. The event takes place online on Wednesday 7 October, from 10:30–12:30. The graphic features an illustrated map with two illustrated frontier workers and dotted arrows crossing the border. Logos for the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission and BorderPeople appear at the bottom.

100

Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission @nihrc.bsky.social · 24/09/2026

In the latest episode of our ‘Rights at the Finish line’ podcast, we spoke to Orla Smyth, athlete, Team Manager and Chair at Transplant Sport Northern Ireland. Transplant Sport NI is a member of the NI Sport & Human Rights Forum. Listen to the podcast here: open.spotify.com/episode/79WF...

000

Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission @nihrc.bsky.social · 22/09/2026

🟣Legal Case Study: Safe Access Zones Through strategic legal interventions, we help ensure that courts consider human rights standards when making decisions that can have a lasting impact on people's lives.

A purple text box on top of an image of a map has white title that says What was the case about? Text underneath the title says The Northern Ireland Assembly passed a Bill creating "safe access zones" around abortion clinics to protect patients and staff from harassment. This Bill made it a criminal offence to do any act in these zones with the intent or effect of "influencing" a protected person.

A purple graphic with white writing. The title says Challenge against the bill. Text under the title says The Attorney General for Northern Ireland referred the Bill to the Supreme Court to determine if the Northern Ireland Assembly had exceeded its legislative power. It was argued that criminalising peaceful persuasion or protest within these buffer zones breached the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR), specifically the rights of protesters under: Article 9: Freedom of thought, conscience, and religion. Article 10: Freedom of expression. Article 11: Freedom of assembly.

A purple graphic with white writing. The title says What did we do? Text under the title says We were granted leave to intervene, making both written and oral submissions. We argued the legislation must be viewed in the context of its aim of protecting women and girl’s access to health. Restrictions were a necessary and proportionate response to protect women and girl’s Article 8 ECHR rights: the right to private and family life, including medical privacy and dignity. Patients and staff should not be forced to navigate abusive or intimidating crowds to receive legal medical care.

100

Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission @nihrc.bsky.social · 21/09/2026

Today is the International Day of Peace, an annual day to mark the importance of peace and emphasise the role we all have in maintaining it. The theme of the 2026 International Day of Peace "Invest in Peace - For Everyone, Everywhere, Every Day" invites us all to do our part for peace.

110

Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission @nihrc.bsky.social · 18/09/2026

Over the past week, we've engaged with a range of stakeholders and communities, discussing human rights and sharing insights into our work. 🟣 Attended an event ran by @housingrightsni.bsky.social on ‘Transforming Prevention together’, focusing how NI can transform homelessness prevention.

Two speakers sit on stage holding microphones, with a screen behind them displaying “Discussion on Hillsborough Law” and information about the speakers. A P.A. Duffy & Co Solicitors banner is visible beside the stage, with an audience seated in the foreground.

100

Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission @nihrc.bsky.social · 17/09/2026

🗣️Have you listened to the new season of the Rights at the Finish Line podcast? 👂Listen to them on Spotify at the link below, or wherever you get your podcasts. open.spotify.com/show/0J1hgnJ... @mscni.bsky.social @nspcc.bsky.social

001

Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission @nihrc.bsky.social · 15/09/2026

Have you ever heard of our Advice Clinic? Our Legal team hosts a weekly advice clinic where they can provide information on human rights issues or help point you towards the right support. 📞 028 9024 3987 📧 legal@nihrc.org Contact us here: nihrc.org/our-work/leg...

Advice Clinic. The Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission’s legal team provides guidance on human rights matters or can point you in the right direction. Contact the Advice Clinic on 028 9024 3987 or legal@nihrc.org

010

Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission @nihrc.bsky.social · 11/09/2026

Over the past few weeks, Commission staff undertook a range of engagement activities with stakeholders and groups to promote human rights, including: 🟣 The @ulsteruni.bsky.social Migration Policy Clinic on International Law and refugee rights provided us with a presentation on their work.

Seven people standing in front on a wall that reads "We are the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission"

131

Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission @nihrc.bsky.social · 10/09/2026

In the latest episode of our ‘Rights at the Finish line’ podcast we spoke to Paul Stephenson, Senior Consultant at NSPCC Sport. The conversation explores human rights issues including safeguarding, child protection, tackling violence against women and girls, disability and inclusion in sport.

120

Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission @nihrc.bsky.social · 07/09/2026

How do we make use of our legal powers? There are four different ways in which we use our legal powers: 🟣Advice 🟣Individual cases 🟣Interventions 🟣Own motion cases Swipe to find out more about each one. Read about all our legal work here: nihrc.org/our-work/legal

Graphic titled “How does the NIHRC use its legal powers?” It explains that the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission works in different ways to help protect and promote human rights in Northern Ireland.

Graphic explaining how the NIHRC can support individual human rights cases. Cases may be supported where they could help clarify the law or have a wider impact on people in Northern Ireland. The Commission can formally support only a small number of cases each year.

Graphic explaining the NIHRC’s “own motion” cases. Under the Northern Ireland Act, the Commission can bring certain human rights cases in its own name, without an individual victim needing to bring the case first. These cases can help clarify the law and ensure it is compatible with human rights.

Graphic explaining NIHRC interventions in ongoing court cases. With permission from the court, the Commission can provide expert advice on human rights and Article 2 of the Windsor Framework, help courts understand human rights issues, and contribute to cases that may affect many people. The graphic notes that the Commission’s latest involvement was in a case about Traveller accommodation.

110

Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission @nihrc.bsky.social · 04/09/2026

Did you know we have legal powers? Under these powers we can: ✅ Provide human rights advice ✅ Support individuals bringing human rights cases -

100

Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission @nihrc.bsky.social · 03/09/2026

Today, the Commission launches the fourth season of their sport and human rights podcast, ‘Rights at the Finish Line’. In the first episode of this season we hear from Jahswill Emmanuel, founder of Multi-Ethnic Sports and Cultures NI (MSCNI)-

100

Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission @nihrc.bsky.social · 28/08/2026

It’s been a busy week for the Commission, our staff undertook a range of engagement activities with stakeholders and groups to promote human rights, including:

100

Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission @nihrc.bsky.social · 28/08/2026

The NIHRC office will be closed on Monday 31st August for the bank holiday, reopening on Tuesday 1st September.

000

Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission @nihrc.bsky.social · 28/08/2026

We would like to thank our outgoing Commissioners Jonathan Kearney, Helen Henderson & Stephen White OBE for their dedication and service. Their expertise & commitment have made a valuable contribution to our work in promoting & protecting the human rights of everyone in Northern Ireland.

Five people standing in front of a wall that read: We are the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission. Picture Left to Right: Jonathan Kearney (outgoing Commissioner), Mairead Holder (current Commissioner), Alyson Kilpatrick (Chief Commissioner), Helen Henderson (outgoing Commissioner), and Stephen White OBE (outgoing Commissioner).

1121

Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission @nihrc.bsky.social · 26/08/2026

Secretary of State Sir Chris Bryant MP has announced the reappointment of Chief Commissioner Alyson Kilpatrick and the appointment of four new Commissioners. Read the Secretary of State’s announcement here: www.gov.uk/government/n... Read our full statement here: nihrc.org/news/detail/...

Graphic with purple background and energy lines. Text reads: Secretary of State Announces Appointment of Human Rights Commissioners

010

Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission @nihrc.bsky.social · 21/08/2026

Is your Sports organisation interested in sports, human rights and how both can be used to make a positive impact in our society? Become a member of our Sport and Human Rights Forum today!

100

Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission @nihrc.bsky.social · 18/08/2026

What does the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission actually do? Our work is varied, but our mission is simple: to promote and protect human rights in Northern Ireland.

Purple graphic with various energy lines in white, pink, orange and green. Text on the graphic says The Commission’s primary role is to make sure government and public authorities protect, respect and fulfil the human rights of everyone in Northern Ireland.

Purple graphic with various energy lines in white, pink, orange and green. Text on the graphic says We also help people understand what their human rights are and what they can do if their rights are violated or abused.

Purple graphic with various energy lines in white, pink, orange and green. The graphic has a title that says Our work is guided by. Underneath this title there are three bullet points. The first one says International and regional human rights treaties. The second bullet point says UK Human Rights Law. The third says Human Rights standards.

122

Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission @nihrc.bsky.social · 14/08/2026

We were delighted to welcome Cancer Fund for Children to the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission to present a cheque for £250, raised through our World Cup sweep!

110

Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission @nihrc.bsky.social · 12/08/2026

Happy International Youth Day 2026 🌍 International Youth Day is an awareness day designated by the United Nations, taking place on August 12. It aims to shed light on the challenges and opportunities facing young people around the world and celebrate their role as essential-

120

Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission @nihrc.bsky.social · 07/08/2026

Over the past few weeks, Commission staff undertook a range of engagement activities with stakeholders and groups to promote human rights, including: 🟣Held a meeting with different organisations focusing on human rights as part of ongoing engagement to inform the Commission's work ahead of the-

A group of people sit around a large meeting table watching a presentation on a screen during a meeting. Laptops, notebooks, water bottles and coffee cups are spread across the table, with large industrial-style windows letting in natural light.

A speaker stands at a podium delivering a presentation to an audience in a bright conference hall. A projected slide is displayed behind them while attendees sit facing the stage.

200

Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission @nihrc.bsky.social · 05/08/2026

What is the state of the rule of law in Northern Ireland? Read our new report to find out. It gives on-the-ground insights into key rule of law trends and challenges in Northern Ireland, including on civil society space, disinformation and law-making processes-

Promotional graphic from the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission and ENNHRI. The left side reads: "Discover the state of the rule of law in Northern Ireland" followed by "Read the latest report." The words "Northern Ireland" and "latest report" are highlighted in purple. On the right is a blue-toned illustration of Lady Justice wearing a blindfold and holding balanced scales. The background is light with soft abstract wave patterns in pale blue and purple.

110

Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission @nihrc.bsky.social · 04/08/2026

Every person has human rights, but did you know there's an organisation dedicated to promoting and protecting them in Northern Ireland? The Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission is an independent public body established following the Belfast (Good Friday) Agreement.

120

Reposted by Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission

UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency @unhcr.org · 28/07/2026

For 75 years, the Refugee Convention has kept the promise of protection alive, offering a safe haven to millions of people forced to flee war, violence and persecution.

More than a legal document. A safe haven.

04528

Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission @nihrc.bsky.social · 27/07/2026

Chief Commissioner, Alyson Kilpatrick, her setter Teagan, & our staff had a great time at Pride Village this past Saturday! 🌈 Thank you to Belfast Pride for organising such a fantastic event. Thank you to everyone who stopped by to chat with us about our work protecting & promoting human rights!

020

Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission @nihrc.bsky.social · 24/07/2026

Over the past week, we've engaged with a wide range of stakeholders and communities, discussing human rights and sharing insights into our work. 🟣 Held a workshop with Mencap Heroes+ Programme at the Helping hands Autism Centre 🟣 Led a workshop with students from The University of Georgia

Group of young people and two adults standing together in a brightly coloured community centre room with green and purple walls.

Group photo of participants and facilitators standing behind meeting tables in a conference room during a workshop.

100

Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission @nihrc.bsky.social · 22/07/2026

NIHRC has an e-newsletter which rounds up all the news and activity at the Commission every month. If you would like to receive the monthly e-newsletter, you can subscribe at the link below 👇 nihrc.us19.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=...

011

Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission @nihrc.bsky.social · 20/07/2026

Do you know what the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission does? Our information leaflet explains who we are, what we do, and how we work to protect and promote human rights in Northern Ireland.

Graphic showing a screen grab of one of our information leaflets. The leaflet shows people smiling with text over it saying Who we are, the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission is a National Human Rights Institution that was established as a result of the Belfast (Good Friday) Agreement. To the right of the leaflet screen grab, purple text on the graphic says translated information leaflets available in; Irish, Arabic, Ulster Scots, Polish, Lithuanian, Romanian, Chinese (Traditional and Simplified), Easy Read (English).

131

Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission @nihrc.bsky.social · 16/07/2026

The NI Sport & Human Rights Forum recently met to explore mega sporting events and their impact on human rights, in the context of two major sporting events taking place in the summer of 2026.

An image of attendees of our most recent sport and human rights forum standing in front of a wall that says we are the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission. Five attendees are standing together smiling at the camera.

100

Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission @nihrc.bsky.social · 10/07/2026

The NIHRC office will be closed on Monday 13th July and Tuesday 14th July for the bank holiday, reopening on Wednesday 15th July.

Purple graphic with white text that reads ‘Bank Holiday Office Closure’

000

Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission @nihrc.bsky.social · 09/07/2026

The Northern Ireland Human Right’s Commission has published its Annual Report and Financial Accounts for 2025 – 2026. It outlines how the Commission has performed its functions during the year 1 April 2025 to 31 March 2026. You can read it here: nihrc.org/about-us/wha...

000

Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission @nihrc.bsky.social · 03/07/2026

The Northern Ireland Human Right’s Commission has published its Business Plan for 2026 – 2027 which reflects our priorities for the year in line with our Strategic objectives. You can read it here: nihrc.org/publication/...

021

Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission @nihrc.bsky.social · 01/07/2026

Today marks the 25-year anniversary since the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages (ECRML) came into force in the UK.

Our submission to the Council of Europe Committee of Experts of the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages

Mid-cycle report for the sixth periodic examination of the United Kingdom

Do you know about the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages (ECRML)?

The ECRML aims to protect and promote Europe’s traditional regional or minority languages.

It commits States Parties to actively support their use in education, public services, media, culture, and everyday life.

The Commission has submitted a parallel report to the Committee of Experts of the ECRML for its mid-cycle review of the UK.

This report focuses on the Irish and Ulster Scots languages.

Please swipe to read some of our recommendations.

Number 1 The Committee of Experts may wish to recommend that the Northern Ireland Executive take urgent action to develop, implement, and monitor well‑resourced Irish Language and Ulster‑Scots Language, Heritage and Culture Strategies, in consultation with the Irish Language Commissioner and the Commissioner for the Ulster Scots and Ulster British tradition, language speakers, and their representative organisations.

120

Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission @nihrc.bsky.social · 30/06/2026

Our Chief Commissioner Alyson Kilpatrick and NIHRC staff will be providing evidence for the Northern Ireland Scrutiny Committee inquiry on the topic of Article 2 of the Protocol/Windsor Framework. This session will take place on Wednesday 1 July at 10:45 am.

111

Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission @nihrc.bsky.social · 26/06/2026

Over the past few weeks, Commission staff undertook a range of engagement activities with stakeholders and groups to promote human rights, including: 🟣Hosted a stall at the Great Belfast Picnic to mark World Refugee Day 🟣Led Human Rights workshops with pupils at Lumen Christi College

NIHRC Chief Commissioner Alyson Kilpatrick attending the Great Belfast Picnic to mark World Refugee Day.

Students at Lumen Christi College pictured with NIHRC staff.

110

Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission @nihrc.bsky.social · 25/06/2026

NIHRC staff were delighted to lead workshops at Regent House Grammar School recently. We led 11 workshops, engaging with approximately 400 students. Students learned about the role and core functions of the NIHRC in promoting and protecting the rights of everyone in Northern Ireland.

131

Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission @nihrc.bsky.social · 22/06/2026

Chief Commissioner Alyson Kilpatrick gave the keynote speech at the Great Belfast Picnic on Saturday 20th June, marking World Refugee Day and the conclusion of Refugee Week. Thank you Belfast City of Sanctuary for the invitation. Read the Chief Commissioner’s speech here: nihrc.org/news/detail/...

Picture of blue gazebo with five people in it on a stage, one holding a microphone with another speaking into it, others watching.

121

Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission @nihrc.bsky.social · 19/06/2026

Ahead of World Refugee Day (20 June 2026), Chief Commissioner Alyson Kilpatrick emphasises the universality of human rights – they are for everyone, regardless of their race, nationality or immigration status. Read the full statement here: nihrc.org/.../celebrat.... #WorldRefugeeDay See less

quote from Chief Commissioner's statement, picture of Chief Commissioner speaking into microphone

010

Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission @nihrc.bsky.social · 18/06/2026

000

Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission @nihrc.bsky.social · 11/06/2026

Chief Commissioner, Alyson Kilpatrick, will give evidence to the Committee for Justice today, alongside policy colleagues. The session will focus on the Criminal Justice (Sentencing etc) Bill. Watch live from 2pm at this link: niassembly.tv/live-stream-2/ @niassembly.gov.uk

Photo of Stormont Parliament Buildings in the sun

000

Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission @nihrc.bsky.social · 09/06/2026

Today, the Commission hosted a Strategic Litigation Forum meeting. Our forum meets twice yearly and brings together lawyers in organisations working on human rights strategic litigation. Thanks to everyone for attending and contributing to discussions.

Group of people sit around a long boardroom table, smiling at the camera

100

Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission @nihrc.bsky.social · 04/06/2026

NIHRC has submitted a response to the Executive Office's consultation on the Framework for Race Relations. Read our response in full here: nihrc.org/publication/...

111

Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission @nihrc.bsky.social · 29/05/2026

NIHRC has an e-newsletter which rounds up all the news and activity at the Commission every month. If you would like to receive the monthly e-newsletter, you can subscribe at this link: nihrc.us19.list-manage.com/subscribe... Read the May edition at this link: mailchi.mp/nihrc/northe... See less

000

Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission @nihrc.bsky.social · 22/05/2026

The NIHRC office will be closed on Monday 25th May for the bank holiday, reopening on Tuesday 26th May.

010

Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission @nihrc.bsky.social · 19/05/2026

The NIHRC has responded to the Department of Education’s revised draft guidance on the use of restrictive interventions in educational settings. The Commission has made a number of recommendations based on the European Convention on Human Rights. Read our full advice: nihrc.org/publication/...

Graphic with purple background and coloured energy lines that reads: Submission to the Department of Education: Guidance for Educational Settings on Restrictive Interventions.

010

Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission @nihrc.bsky.social · 15/05/2026

One of NIHRC’s statutory remits is to promote human rights in Northern Ireland. Over the past few weeks, Commission staff engaged with stakeholders and groups to promote human rights, including... (1/3)

People sit at a board table looking towards a large screen in the background, with a man standing to the left of the screen

Three people stand smiling at the camera

Group of school pupils and two Commission staff stand on a lawn, with a grey castle style building behind them

Two people sit on sofas with a table between them, looking towards the camera

010

Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission @nihrc.bsky.social · 07/05/2026

(1/2)The Commission has published a briefing paper on human rights and budgeting, exploring the connection between government budgets and their responsibilities to respect, protect and fulfil human rights. 👇Check out our key recommendations below 📄Read the briefing paper: nihrc.org/publication/...

210

Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission @nihrc.bsky.social · 05/05/2026

This Sunday, two NIHRC teams took on the Belfast Marathon Team Relay, fundraising for the @thestrokeassoc.bsky.social. Congratulations to Team Fantastic and Team Grand Job on an incredible achievement. Thank you to everyone who donated and supported us!

Four photos. From left to right: photo presents seven people standing next to each other and looking at the camera. They have medals on them and their t-shirts read: Stroke Association. Second photo: a man and a woman smiling at the camera holding up their medals. Third photo: two women smiling at the camera. Fourth photo: two women smiling at the camera, they both have medals on them.

000