A Bill of Rights - what it means to us

A special event to promote the campaign for a Bill of Rights for Northern Ireland took place in Belfast recently on 7 March 2005. It was organised by the Human Rights Consortium, a coalition of over 100 non-governmental organisations, trade unions and community groups who have been actively involved in campaigning for a strong and inclusive Bill of Rights here.

The event was organised to launch a report and leaflet on A Bill of Rights - what it means to us. The report contains the proceedings of a very positive and well attended initiative at Stormont, which began an important process of dialogue between civil society and politicians here. Those involved included Consortium members, MLAs from all the different political parties, the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission and representatives from the British and Irish governments.

The launch of the report and leaflet was opened by Lord Mayor Tom Ekin, who congratulated pupils from St Teresa's Primary School in west Belfast and Elmgrove Primary School in east Belfast on their creative artwork, which was displayed at the event. He spoke about the importance of a Bill of Rights and emphasised the need for a timetable to move the debate ahead.

Local artist Rita Duffy, who helped the P7 pupils produce artwork for the event, highlighted how important it was for children of 11 years to be aware of human rights, respect and dignity for others. She explained the idea behind the artwork, which took the form of a beans and waffle breakfast, and encouraged the children to think about the rights of 'human beans'.

"I wanted to get the kids thinking about basic rights, like the right to adequate food and a good standard of education," she said. "With high levels of child poverty and pressure on education budgets these fundamental rights must not be taken for granted in Northern Ireland. We need to ensure every child's basic rights are met".

A leaflet accompanying the report highlights individual case studies of issues that a Bill of Rights could deal with. Some of those involved in the case studies made very moving contributions about the difference a Bill of Rights could make to their lives.

Mental health

John James from Steer Mental Health highlighted the need for a Bill of Rights to tackle issues facing those with mental health difficulties. He noted that one in four people in Northern Ireland would experience mental health difficulties at some stage in their lives. In particular, he emphasised the pressing need to establish a base line of services for those who leave hospital after receiving treatment for mental health problems. This is a key danger time for many people, and it is crucial that they receive ongoing support. John James believes a Bill of Rights would help establish this baseline and in this way protect the rights of those who face these difficulties.

Older people

The issue of adequate income for pensioners was highlighted by June Mallon, who told those present that, having worked since the age of 14, she believed she would be entitled to a pension that provided her with an adequate standard of living. Instead she struggles on a pension that is entirely insufficient, with the result that she cannot afford any entertainment, never goes on holidays and is worried about where she will find the money to pay for water charges, among other things. She reminded the audience (particularly the schoolchildren!) that we would all be old one day and thus we should be striving to ensure that older people like her have a better quality of life. She believes a Bill of Rights would offer protection to people in her situation and would ensure the right to a basic adequate income such as a pension.

Homelessness

A young homeless man spoke very movingly about his experiences, which included living in temporary accommodation most of his life, being unable to get employment because he is homeless and how difficult life can be without a home to call your own. He argued very strongly that everyone should have the right to a home and expressed his hope that a strong and inclusive Bill of Rights would protect vulnerable homeless people particularly and guarantee them the right to a home.

The event was wrapped up by Aideen Gilmore from the Human Rights Consortium, who highlighted its plans to launch this report and leaflet in a variety of locations across Northern Ireland, and in that way bring public and political attention to the very local and real issues that a Bill of Rights should cover. She reiterated the Consortium's call on the governments to establish the proposed roundtable forum of political parties and civil society to move the Bill of Rights ahead, so that the most vulnerable and marginalised in society could have their rights protected.

More information

To learn more about the Consortium, or to request a copy of the report and leaflet, contact:
info@billofrightsni.org
028 9096 1128

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