Equality and Human Rights, Human Rights

Human Rights Information
Public service providers have been subject to a host of new legislation, regulation and government initiatives in recent years.  Best Value, Data Protection, Freedom of Information, Section 75 and electronic service delivery are only a few of the issues organisations are having to deal with.

So, why consider Human Rights a priority?
 
  • Because it is the law: the Human Rights Act 1998 is an important part of Government’s modernising agenda. It makes all public bodies responsible for behaving in a way that is compatible with the rights of individuals, as identified by the European Convention on Human Rights.
 
  • Because it can cost:  Any proven breach could be very expensive both in financial terms and to the Board’s reputation.
 
  • Because there is Corporate Commitment to promote human rights by developing an awareness of human rights amongst staff.
 
Training has been provided to a variety of senior staff on the Human Rights Act and a OFMDFM Guidance document has been supplied as part of that training.

New Guidance has been issued in 2006 called, ‘Get in on the Act: a practical guide to the Human rights Act for Public Authorities in Northern Ireland.’

The Equality Manager has a small number of hard copies and the document is available for download at www.ofmdfmni.gov.uk/human-rights

The new guide is envisaged as a reference tool to be kept close at hand for day to day guidance and is designed to be user friendly for staff at all levels.

 
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