What is a Bill of Rights
Friday 23 November 07
"An Act declaring the Rights and Liberties of the Subject and Setleing the Succession of the Crowne" (quote)
A Bill of Rights for Northern Ireland should be to the highest international human rights standards.
Under the Belfast/Good Friday Agreement, the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission (NIHRC) was asked to consult with the people of Northern Ireland and advise the Secretary of State on the scope for defining rights supplementary to the European Convention of Human Rights. www.billofrightsni.org
Such rights were to reflect the particular circumstances of Northern Ireland, and, taken together with the Convention would constitute a Bill of Rights for Northern Ireland.A Bill of Rights would allow people living in Northern Ireland to build on the strengths of the European Convention and consider the particular needs of Northern Ireland. A Bill of Rights would allow all sections of a divided society to come together and voice their views about what rights need to be protected in their lives.
An example of a Bill of Rights –
A Bill of Rights was developed in Northern Ireland. The Multi-Party Agreement, which was signed in April 1998 by ten political parties involved in the multi-party negotiations in Northern Ireland as well as governments in UK and Republic of Ireland. A referendum was held on the Agreement. The Agreement gained support from 70 percent of people who voted. This Agreement still stands today and there are a lot of people who still support it.
The Bill of Right should be inclusive. As the European Convention of human Rights provides a minimal standard, the Bill of Rights goes beyond minimal standards and enshrines and guarantees the highest level of protection. The Bill of Rights takes account of the developments of law, and legal nature. It provides a model for other parts of the UK as well as of the world.
Useful links - www.davros.org/legal/bill_of_rights.html
