Human rights expert appointed chair of forum

Leading Australian human rights lawyer and activist, Chris Sidoti, has been appointed as the independent chair of the Bill of Rights Forum. Human Rights Minister David Hanson MP has said that the appointment of Mr Sidoti brings a level of expertise to the Forum which will be invaluable as it takes forward its work.

Since 2003 Chris has been director of the International Service for Human Rights, based in Geneva, working closely with the United Nations human rights system. A human rights lawyer, activist and teacher, he has been Australian Human Rights Commission (1995-2000), Australian Law Reform Commissioner (1992-1995), and Foundation Director of the Australian Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission (1987-1992). He has also worked in a number of non-governmental human rights organisations.

David Hanson said: "A champion of human rights throughout his career, Chris Sidoti brings to the Forum not only immense experience as a laywer, teacher and activist in the field of human rights and justice but also provides a valuable international dimension to the work of the Forum.

"I am delighted that he has agree to Chair and lead the important work of the Forum in contributing to the shaping of a Bill of Rights for Northern Ireland. Appointing a person of such standing underlines the Government's commitment to Human Rights.

"I am confident that the Forum under his leadership will agree valuable recommendations that will contribute significantly to the work of the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission in providing its advice on a Bill of Rights for Northern Ireland."

David Hanson also emphasised that the Forum would now work independently of Government. Mr Sidoti is expected to call an early plenary meeting of the Forum to get business underway.