Human Rights Chief calls for end to Holy Cross protest

The head of the Northern Ireland human Commission Brice Dickson has called for loyalists to end their protest at the Holy Cross school in north Belfast.

Professor Dickson, who was due to meet RUC Chief Constable Sir Ronnie Flanagan on Thursday to discuss the protest, made the appeal after watching the morning school run to Holy Cross girls’ primary school.

In contrast to ugly scenes on Ardoyne Road earlier this week the protest passed off without incident, demonstrators remained silent, most with their backs turned to the school convoy.

But afterwards Professor Dickson said: “there is a week’s holiday for the children coming up which is an opportunity for the residents and the parents to come to some sort of accommodation which is essential. But the bottom line is the protest has to be called off - it is intimidating the children and the Commission stands firmly behind them.”

The Human Rights Commission has been monitoring the situation in north Belfast closely and after a meeting earlier in the month Mr Dickson said: “The Commission recognises the right of people to protest. However, protests should always be peaceful and non-threatening. Above all they cannot be allowed to interfere with the right of children to get to or from their school. The Commission does not have the power to mediate disputes, but its doors are always open to anyone who wishes to meet with it to discuss how their rights can be exercised legally and responsibly.” (AMcE)