SDLP say bill of rights represents opportunity for all

The SDLP has published their response to Northern Ireland’s proposed bill of rights and has advocated that it represents an opportunity for all and a threat to none.

The party’s justice spokesman Alex Attwood said the bill being proposed by the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission offers a chance to “ensure justice, equality and rights for all.”

Mr Attwood was speaking on Thursday before a meeting between an SDLP party delegation and commission officials at which it presented its response to the proposed bill.

Mr Attwood said: “The proposed Bill of Rights is an opportunity for all and a threat to none. Human rights protection for all citizens and each community is essential for a stable and successful society.

“Those of all political backgrounds should embrace the proposed bill of rights and avail of it as a means to ensure justice, equality and rights for all.”

SDLP member Patricia Lewsley said her party was proposing a “maximum approach” to rights enforcement and protection, covering a range of individual, community, political, social economic and cultural rights.

She added: “A maximum approach to rights protection and enforcement can create maximum confidence that human rights will be guaranteed.

“A central feature of our political conflict has been the denial of rights - from those who took life by terror, and those who disadvantaged people and communities and those to who denied due process and fair trials. All of this has characterised the division of the past.

“An expansive, extensive bill of rights can provide the guarantee that the future will be different from the past.” (AMcE)