22/02/2010

Bill Of Rights 'Must be Strong'

More than 250,000 homes in Belfast will this week be targeted in a major mail campaign, calling on local residents to support the introduction of a strong Bill of Rights in Northern Ireland.

The Human Rights Consortium is demanding a Bill of Rights which contains social and economic protections, such as rights to housing, work and healthcare.

Originally proposed in the Belfast Agreement more than 12 years ago, a public consultation on the matter is currently under way and the Human Rights Consortium is urging people in Belfast to show their support by signing and returning the leaflet.

Fiona McCausland, Chairperson, Human Rights Consortium, said: "As recent events have shown, it is time for us all to put people before politics and a Bill of Rights will bring us together by setting a common set of rights, respected and shared equally by all.

"With the consultation closing in just three weeks, time is running out to have your say.

"We have written to homes across Belfast and would urge everyone who receives this important leaflet to read it, sign it and send it back as soon as possible to show your support," she said.

The Human Rights Consortium, which represents organisations such as NIPSA, ICTU, Unison, Help the Aged, Save the Children and Disability Action has written to Shaun Woodward, rejecting the terms of the consultation, describing the exercise unworthy of consideration as an effective Bill of Rights for Northern Ireland.

The public consultation on a Bill of Rights for Northern Ireland closes March 1st.

(BMcC/GK)

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