Menu
16/06/2005
McWilliams appointed chief of NI Human Rights Commission
Former Woman’s Coalition leader Monica McWilliams has been appointed as the new Chief Commissioner of the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission.
Professor McWilliams, who succeeds Professor Brice Dickson, said she was delighted to be the new commissioner having “had a long-standing commitment to human rights in Northern Ireland”.
Currently the Professor of Women’s Studies and Social Policy at the University of Ulster, Professor McWilliams was a member of the Northern Ireland Assembly representing the Northern Ireland Women’s Coalition from 1998–2003.
Between 1996-1998 she was an elected representative to the Northern Ireland Forum and is currently a member of the Domestic Violence Committee of the Family Court’s Children’s Order Advisory Committee.
Welcoming the announcement, Paddy Sloan, Chief Executive of the Human Rights Commission, said: “I am delighted that the Secretary of State has secured the services of Commissioners with such a wide range of skills under the experienced leadership of Monica McWilliams.
“Staff are looking forward to working with a full Commission, building on the significant body of work produced to date, and moving the organisation onto a new level of effectiveness with the introduction of revised powers in the near future.”
Secretary of State Peter Hain added: “The Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission is a key part of the architecture of human rights protections in Northern Ireland, and an important feature of the Belfast Agreement.
“I am confident that these new appointments will ensure that the Commission will make a significant contribution to the advancement and protection of human rights in Northern Ireland in the coming months and years.”
Seven Commissioners have also been appointed to the Commission announced today. They are: Jonathan Bell, Thomas Duncan, Professor Colin Harvey, Alan Henry, Ann Hope, Eamonn O’Neill and Geraldine Rice.
Professor McWilliams will take up her appointment on 1 September 2005.
(MB/SP)
Professor McWilliams, who succeeds Professor Brice Dickson, said she was delighted to be the new commissioner having “had a long-standing commitment to human rights in Northern Ireland”.
Currently the Professor of Women’s Studies and Social Policy at the University of Ulster, Professor McWilliams was a member of the Northern Ireland Assembly representing the Northern Ireland Women’s Coalition from 1998–2003.
Between 1996-1998 she was an elected representative to the Northern Ireland Forum and is currently a member of the Domestic Violence Committee of the Family Court’s Children’s Order Advisory Committee.
Welcoming the announcement, Paddy Sloan, Chief Executive of the Human Rights Commission, said: “I am delighted that the Secretary of State has secured the services of Commissioners with such a wide range of skills under the experienced leadership of Monica McWilliams.
“Staff are looking forward to working with a full Commission, building on the significant body of work produced to date, and moving the organisation onto a new level of effectiveness with the introduction of revised powers in the near future.”
Secretary of State Peter Hain added: “The Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission is a key part of the architecture of human rights protections in Northern Ireland, and an important feature of the Belfast Agreement.
“I am confident that these new appointments will ensure that the Commission will make a significant contribution to the advancement and protection of human rights in Northern Ireland in the coming months and years.”
Seven Commissioners have also been appointed to the Commission announced today. They are: Jonathan Bell, Thomas Duncan, Professor Colin Harvey, Alan Henry, Ann Hope, Eamonn O’Neill and Geraldine Rice.
Professor McWilliams will take up her appointment on 1 September 2005.
(MB/SP)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
08 March 2007
HRC calls for improvements in treatment of women prisoners
The Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission (NIHRC) has marked today’s International Women’s Day by calling for improvements in the way women prisoners are treated in Northern Ireland.
HRC calls for improvements in treatment of women prisoners
The Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission (NIHRC) has marked today’s International Women’s Day by calling for improvements in the way women prisoners are treated in Northern Ireland.
12 April 2005
Commission voices concern over UK human rights record
The Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission (HRC) is set to address the United Nations Human Rights Commission this week on the UK government’s alleged failure to protect civil liberties in Northern Ireland.
Commission voices concern over UK human rights record
The Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission (HRC) is set to address the United Nations Human Rights Commission this week on the UK government’s alleged failure to protect civil liberties in Northern Ireland.
24 March 2009
Teen Denies Police Murder Charge
A teenager has appeared in court to deny murdering police officer Constable Stephen Carroll, 48, who was shot dead in Craigavon on Monday 9 March. He was in the dock at Lisburn Magistrates Court where the court was told he "made no reply to the charges", when they were put to him.
Teen Denies Police Murder Charge
A teenager has appeared in court to deny murdering police officer Constable Stephen Carroll, 48, who was shot dead in Craigavon on Monday 9 March. He was in the dock at Lisburn Magistrates Court where the court was told he "made no reply to the charges", when they were put to him.
28 January 2005
Belfast to hold international Human Rights conference
A major conference, bringing together over 20 international human rights leaders from 12 countries, will take place in Belfast this weekend.
Belfast to hold international Human Rights conference
A major conference, bringing together over 20 international human rights leaders from 12 countries, will take place in Belfast this weekend.
16 September 2010
NI Bill Of Rights Wins UK Backing
As the Stormont Justice Minister David Ford (pictured here) vowed to reshape the region's justice system to fit the needs of the people of Northern Ireland, human rights commissions across the UK have backed a proposed Bill of Rights for Northern Ireland.
NI Bill Of Rights Wins UK Backing
As the Stormont Justice Minister David Ford (pictured here) vowed to reshape the region's justice system to fit the needs of the people of Northern Ireland, human rights commissions across the UK have backed a proposed Bill of Rights for Northern Ireland.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:Dry with clear skies this evening. Patchy cloud will increase at times overnight, but some clear spells too. Light winds and some patchy shallow mist or fog towards dawn. Minimum temperature 2 °C.
