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Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission @nihrc.bsky.social · 22h

Our Chief Commissioner, Alyson Kilpatrick, was pleased to speak at the XVII Warsaw Human Rights Seminar, hosted today at the historic Palace of the Commonwealth in Warsaw.

An image of NIHRC Chief Commissioner Alyson Kilpatrick speaking into a microphone.

An image of a panel of four people sitting in a row. Chief commissioner Alyson Kilpatrick is sitting on the right hand side holding a microphone. A screen in the background displays a presentation with the title ‘The Role of the European Court of Human Rights in protecting Human Rights in the Age of Artificial Intelligence’.

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Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission @nihrc.bsky.social · 12/10/2026

One way NIHRC protects human rights is by publishing submissions, briefing papers, research and consultation responses. Why? To help inform debate and decision-making across government, legislatures and public authorities, with the aim of strengthening human rights protections in Northern Ireland.

Graphic depicting photo of a person on a laptop at the top, with a purple box and QR code with text on the bottom: 'Scan this QR code to find out more' and 'nihrc.org/our-work/publications'

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

October 10 is World Mental Health Day. A human rights-based approach to mental health means recognising the dignity, equality and rights of everyone, and working to ensure people can access the support and services they need.

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

This week, we launched the Frontier Workers Case Studies Resource. This resource aims to helps navigate the complex landscape of rights for frontier workers and their families after the UK’s exit from the EU and is comprised of six case studies based-

An image of five people standing in front of a building smiling. They are, left to right: Alyson Kilpatrick, Dr Ivanka Antova, Dr Sylvia de Mars, Annmarie O’Kane, Aisling Doran and Manus Reid. They are holding a copy of the Frontier workers case studies booklet.

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

Panel discussion with Annmarie O’Kane, Border People Project, Dr Sylvia de Mars, Newcastle University, Manus Reid, North Connacht & Ulster Citizens Information Service, Aisling Doran, Community Advice Newry, Mourne & Down, chaired by Dr Ivanka Antova, Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission.

An image of five people sitting on a panel in front of a room. A presentation is on a projector showing the panel members names.

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

Dr Sylvia de Mars, Newcastle University, author of the resource, "Frontier workers rights is one of those areas of law where injustices are happening, but not much academic attention is paid even though it is extremely important.

An image of Dr Sylvia de Mars presenting to a room.

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

Éilis Haughey, Director, Human Rights after EU Withdrawal, at the NI Human Rights Commission: "We’re delighted to have taken the theoretical and legal analysis and take it to the practical framework."

An image of Éilis Haughey presenting to a room.

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

Alyson Kilpatrick, Chief Commissioner of the NI Human Rights Commission, said "Human rights cannot be theoretical, they must be real. And these must be real for everyone, clear, at everyone’s reach and guaranteed”

An image of Alyson Kilpatrick, Chief Commissioner of NIHRC presenting to a room.

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

Today, we’re launching the Frontier Workers Case Studies Resource. Join us to learn more about frontier workers and their rights: youtube.com/live/4Z-rsFB...

An image of a room full of people looking at the stage. On the screen there is a presentation displaying the Frontier Workers Case Studies Booklet

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Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission @nihrc.bsky.social · 02/10/2026

🟣 Released the latest episode of our Rights at the Finish line podcast, featuring Orla Smyth, athlete, Team Manager and Chair at Transplant Sport NI. 🟣 Published article in The Law Society of Northern Ireland's ‘The Writ’ on Human Rights in the era of AI. Read it here: issuu.com/.../docs/wri...

Cover of The Writ, a publication of the Law Society of Northern Ireland, featuring a close-up illustration of a computer chip on a circuit board with glowing blue and purple connections. The cover headline reads "The Legal Profession and Law Tech" and highlights articles on artificial intelligence in the courts, human rights in the era of AI, and legal technology.

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Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission @nihrc.bsky.social · 02/10/2026

🟣 Recorded a podcast recorded a new episode of the 'Shared Goals' podcast with Mr Zvezdan Pirtošek, Independent Expert on the enjoyment of all human rights by older persons. 🟣 Announced the launch date of Frontier Workers Case Studies. Register to attend here: www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/launch-fro...

Screenshot of a virtual meeting showing three participants in a video call. Two participants appear side by side in the top row, with a third participant displayed below.

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Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission @nihrc.bsky.social · 02/10/2026

🟣 Attended the @ennhri.bsky.social Working Group on the Human Rights of Older Persons at the @dimr.bsky.social 🟣 Hosted a workshop at Belfast Central Library as part of Culture Night 2026. We invited post primary students to engage with the topics of human rights and climate through creativity.

Group photograph of approximately 30 people standing on a rooftop terrace beside an office building. The group is arranged in several rows and facing the camera.

Educational display featuring posters, drawings, and written reflections focused on climate change, human rights, and the UN Sustainable Development Goals. The display includes colourful artwork, SDG icons, and materials from the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission.

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Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission @nihrc.bsky.social · 02/10/2026

Over the past few weeks, Commission staff undertook a range of engagement activities with stakeholders and groups to promote human rights, including: 🟣 Chaired a meeting of the Commonwealth Forum of National Human Rights Institutions Sports Working Group.

Screenshot of an online video conference featuring ten participants displayed in a gallery view.

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Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission @nihrc.bsky.social · 01/10/2026

(1/3) On the International Day of Older Persons, we are delighted to release a new episode of our ‘Shared Goals’ podcast with guest Zvezdan Pirtošek, the United Nations Independent Expert on the enjoyment of all human rights by older persons. Listen on Spotify here: open.spotify.com/episode/2QGa...

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Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission @nihrc.bsky.social · 30/09/2026

Through consultations, briefing papers, committee evidence and engagement with decision-makers, we help ensure human rights are considered in legislation and policy-making. Swipe through to learn more about how this important function helps strengthen human rights protections in Northern Ireland.

Purple graphic that says why does it matter? Text underneath says our advice helps decision makers: develop laws and policies, consider human rights impacts, strengthen protections in practice.

Purple graphic with a title that says Find out more. Text underneath says explore our recent briefings publications and recommendations to government at the link below. A QR Code links to the NIHRC website for more information: nihrc.org/our-work/advice-to-government

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Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission @nihrc.bsky.social · 30/09/2026

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.

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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.

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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.

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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...

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

This case is one example of how our legal work contributes to the development and protection of human rights in NI. Read more about this intervention and all others here: nihrc.org/our-work/legal

A purple graphic with a QR Code on it. Text on the graphic says Want to know more? Scan this QR code. Text underneath the QR code shows the link it is connected to nihrc.org/our-work/legal.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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

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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

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

🎙️ Launched the 4th season of our Rights at the Finish Line podcast, focusing on sport & human rights. Our first 2 episodes are: 🟣 Jahswill Emmannuel, Multi-Ethnic Sports and Cultures NI open.spotify.com/episode/4htf... 🟣 Paul Stephenson, @nspcc.bsky.social Sport open.spotify.com/episode/3E5S...

Graphic that reads: Jahswill Emmannuel, Multi-Ethnic Sports and Cultures NI

Graphic that reads: Paul Stephenson, NSPCC Sport

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

🟣 Met with Chris Quinn, Northern Ireland Commissioner for Children and Young People about our educational engagement and outreach 🟣 Delivered a Human Rights workshops to students at Belfast Met 🟣 Met with Street NI and Belfast City Council about homelessness

NIHRC staff standing next to two young persons

Four people standing in front of the camera. One of them is Chris Quinn, Northern Ireland Commissioner for Children and Young People

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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"

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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.

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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.

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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 -

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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)-

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

🟣 We welcomed Joanne Metcalfe and colleagues from the @homelessnessimpact.bsky.social to Belfast for a two-day visit focused on strengthening collaboration around homelessness prevention.

Two pictures. First one displays a photo of a room with people sitting around a table and looking at a presentation on the screen. Second photo shows attendees looking and smiling at the camera.

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

🟣 The NIHRC’s Arts and Human Rights Forum met to explore the theme of art as a tool for social change and its role in promoting human rights, equality and inclusion.

Photo of a room with members of the Arts and Human Rights Forum. Ten people can be seen sitting around a table and seven people are online on a big screen.

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

🟣 Our Engagement and Communications team held a human rights workshop with members of the Northern Ireland Youth Assembly.

Stock photo of a girl wearing a school uniform and writing in a board.

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

🟣 Our CEO, David Russell, Éilis Haughey, Director met with His Excellency Dr M. Nazrul Islam, Acting High Commissioner of Bangladesh to the United Kingdom, Walid Mohammad, First Secretary Bangladesh High Commission, and colleagues.

Two pictures. First one on the top features six people (three women and three men) standing in front of the camera. The second pictures shows David Russell, CEO of the NIHRC and His Excellency Dr M. Nazrul Islam, Acting High Commissioner of Bangladesh to the United Kingdom

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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.

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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).

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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

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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!

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

We do this by: ✔️ Advising government and public bodies ✔️ Monitoring human rights ✔️ Legal advice work ✔️ Conducting research and influencing policy ✔️ Promoting human rights through education and engagement Find out more here: nihrc.org/our-work

Purple graphic with various energy lines in white, pink, orange and green. Text on the graphic says We help ensure that people in Northern Ireland do not lose certain rights and equality protections as a result of the UK's exit from the EU.

Purple graphic with a QR Code on it. Text above the QR Code says Explore the Commission's powers and functions under the Northern Ireland Act 1998. Scan to learn more. Text underneath the QR Code says nihrc.org.

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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.

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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!

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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-

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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!

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

🟣 Attended the Multi-Ethnic Sports & Cultures NI (MSCNI) Launch Event for their Change Cup 2026 & Africa Cultural Festival 2026 at Windsor Park stadium in Belfast 🟣 Thank you to Sarah from Ulster University, who joined the Engagement and Communications team for a placement.

Two people standing in front of a Multi-Ethnic Sports and Cultures NI display, holding signs reading “Inclusion” and “Belonging” alongside a PEACEPLUS sign.

Four people standing in front of a wall that reads: We are the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission

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