A forum on a Bill of Rights for Northern Ireland

Following discussions at St Andrews the Government committed to establish a Forum on a Bill of Rights and to convene its inaugural meeting in December 2006.

The Government is undertaking a short period of consultation on its proposals for the establishment of the Forum. The aim is to help create a body that commands widespread support from the political parties and wider society.

The Government is clear that the Forum should:

• have an independent chair and its own secretariat;
• be as inclusive as possible of Assembly parties and wider civic society;
• appropriately involve the NIHRC;
• be adequately supported and resourced;
• report back by 30 September 2007.

As part of this process the government is carrying out a short consultation. The consultation period is very tight, with a deadline of Tuesday 28 November to facilitate the establishment of the Forum in mid December.

NICVA's response to the consultation is available here.