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

To stay up to date with our work, you can sign up to our newsletter here: nihrc.us19.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=...

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

(3/3) We explore how a human rights-based approach can help address these barriers and enable older persons to claim and exercise their rights; as well as developments on a legally binding instrument on the human rights of older persons.

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

(2/3) We discuss a wide range of human rights issues affecting older persons including: 🟣 Ageism 🟣 Discrimination in healthcare, housing, employment 🟣 Autonomy 🟣 Loneliness 🟣 Digital exclusion 🟣 Poverty 🟣 Social protection 🟣 Violence against older persons

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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

These include calling for the Northern Ireland Executive to take a cross-departmental approach to eliminating all forms of homelessness in Northern Ireland, to take a gender-sensitive approach to addressing rough sleeping and to ensure that homelessness is not criminalised in Northern Ireland.

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

The screen states that in 2025, the UN Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights made recommendations relating to homelessness. A further information screen explains that the NIHRC has made several recommendations concerning homelessness.

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

Each speaker talks directly to the camera, with their name and/or organisation identified through spoken introductions and captions. It then transitions to purple information screens explaining that, in 2026, homelessness remains a human rights concern in Northern Ireland.

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

• Jonathan McClelland, Chairperson of the Belfast Swifts, speaks about homelessness and community engagement. • Rebekah Rushe, from the Northern Ireland Youth Forum, speaks about the visit and the discussions taking place.

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

connecting individuals with services. The video then introduces several people standing in front of a purple Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission backdrop: • Niamh McElduff, Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Officer for Ulster GAA, speaks about the role of sport and inclusion.

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

as she speaks. Behind her is a shelving unit displaying Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission publications. Jo discusses the importance of prevention and the role of different parts of society in supporting people experiencing homelessness. She also discusses the role that sport can play in-

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

Human Rights Commission title screen featuring the Commission’s white logo. Jo Metcalfe is seated at a table in an office. She speaks directly to the camera about being in Belfast and the discussions taking place around homelessness prevention. Purple captions appear at the bottom of the screen-

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

Video description A vertical video produced by the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission (NIHRC), approximately three minutes and 24 seconds long, about homelessness prevention, human rights and the role of sport and community organisations. The video opens with a purple Northern Ireland-

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

confidence, resilience, belonging and social connection, while creating pathways to wider support and opportunity. In this video, we hear from Joanne and some of those who took part in the roundtable.

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

We also visited Street NI, hearing about their work using sport, education, employability and community development to support people experiencing homelessness and social exclusion. A key focus of the visit was CHI’s Play for Change research, which explores how sport can help build wellbeing-

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

to the continuous improvement of living conditions. As part of the visit, we brought together people working across the sport, homelessness, criminal justice and human rights sectors for a roundtable exploring human rights and participation in the context of preventing homelessness.

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

The Commission works to promote awareness and education of human rights across Northern Ireland. Article 11 of the International Covenant on Economic Social and Cultural Rights recognises the right of everyone to an adequate standard of living, including adequate food, clothing and housing, and-

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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

The Booklet helps navigate the complex landscape of rights for frontier workers and their families after UK’s exit from the EU and is comprised of six case-studies based on common situations frontier workers and their families find themselves in. 📅 Thursday 7 October 🕙 10:30 am 💻 Online Streaming

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

In collaboration with the Border People Project, we are launching a new online resource on the rights of frontier workers and their families: a Frontier Workers Case-Studies Booklet.

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

If you’re interested on learning more about Frontier Worker and their rights, join our Frontier Workers Case Studies Booklet Launch.

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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

🟣This evening, we are taking part in Culture Night Belfast. We are hosting a workshop on climate, youth and human rights in Belfast Central Library. @librariesni.bsky.social

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

Jahswill Emmannuel, @mscni.bsky.social open.spotify.com/episode/4htf... Paul Stephenson, @nspcc.bsky.social open.spotify.com/episode/3E5S...

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

🟣 Attended an event led by P.A. Duffy & Co Solicitors on ‘Human Rights and Access to Justice: Bridging the Gap’. 🟣 Continued promotion of the fourth season of our Rights at the Finish Line podcast, focusing on sport and human rights. Our first two episodes are:

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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

🟣 Attended a Making Space for Youth Voice: Building More Inclusive Democracies workshop run by Ulster University.

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

🟣 Attended the launch of Barnardo’s NI election manifesto 🟣 Provided a presentation to the Ministry of Justice about our school engagement work 🟣 Attended the Northern Ireland Youth Forum’s Democratic Education Forum event

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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

Paul also highlights NSPCC Sport's work with supporting sporting bodies, as well as providing a wide range of services for young people such as Childline. Listen to the podcast here: open.spotify.com/episode/3E5S...

open.spotify.com

Paul Stephenson, Senior Consultant at NSPCC Sport

Rights at the Finish Line · Episode

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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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