Resetting the Relationship? – Launch of the Partnership Agreement

09 September 2025

The launch of the new Partnership Agreement between government and the community and voluntary sector in Northern Ireland offers a timely and much-needed opportunity to reset how these two groups work together. The Agreement sets out the shared values that are supposed to shape that relationship moving forward. Accountability Active Participation Social Justice Independence Collaboration Sustainability […]

Two hands are shaking. One has the words 'Civil Society' while the other has the words 'Public Sector'.

A Dangerous Game: Why Attacks on the ECHR Threaten Peace in Northern Ireland

07 September 2025

The Human Rights Consortium and its member organisations have firmly and unequivocally opposed recent proposals by Policy Exchange and Reform UK to withdraw the UK from the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR). These proposals are not just legally reckless, they are politically incendiary. They represent a direct assault on the foundations of the Belfast/Good […]

A hand tries to steal a copy of the ECHR.

Consortium Condemns Proposals to Withdraw from ECHR: A Threat to Peace and Rights

21 July 2025

The Human Rights Consortium has denounced proposals by Suella Braverman MP and Baroness Arlene Foster which call for the UK to withdraw from the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) and repeal the Human Rights Act (HRA). The Consortium has labelled the proposals “legally and morally flawed, politically reckless and constitutionally dangerous.” A Direct Threat […]

A hand held up with the words 'Human Rights' painted on it.

Article 2 training programme launched

19 May 2025

The Human Rights Consortium are now offering specific training on Article 2 of the Windsor Framework. The training is designed specifically for civil society groups in Northern Ireland to provide comprehensive guidance on the implications of Article 2 of the Windsor Framework. The Windsor Framework, an essential component of the UK-EU Withdrawal Agreement, safeguards human […]

Picture of the sea and the words Article 2 training

Gender Pay Gap Proposals must meet Windsor Framework obligations

14 March 2025

The Human Rights Consortium (HRC) has made a submission to the Department for Communities’ consultation on The Gender Pay Gap Information Regulations and called for progress on the Gender Pay gap to keep pace with EU developments in this field in line with current duties under the Windsor Framework. As a coalition dedicated to promoting […]

Two equal piles of coins. One with a carboard woman on top and the other with a cardboard man. A person is placing their hands either side of both sets of coins.

UN Calls for Bill of Rights to Address Human Rights Deficit in Northern Ireland

05 March 2025

The United Nations Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (CESCR) has issued a stark warning to the UK Government, urging the adoption of a Bill of Rights for Northern Ireland. In its concluding observations on the seventh periodic report of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland’s compliance with the International Covenant on Economic, Social […]

NI Civil Society Joint shadow report to UN Economic, Social and Cultural Rights Committee

04 February 2025

The Human Rights Consortium has submitted an updated shadow report to the United Nations Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (CESCR) in advance of the upcoming review of the United Kingdom’s compliance with the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (ICESCR). This report was developed in collaboration with a range of Consortium […]

Equality Inquiry Submission

18 September 2024

The Human Rights Consortium has submitted its response to the Committee for the Executive Office Inquiry on Gaps in Equality Legislation. The Committee for the Executive Office is a statutory Committee in the Northern Ireland Assembly. The Committee is conducting an inquiry on differences in equality legislation between the regions of the UK and the […]

#MakeOurFutureFair Human Rights Manifesto

02 July 2024

The Human Rights Consortium has launched our #MakeOurFutureFair Human Rights Manifesto social media campaign, calling on the next UK Government to prioritise, defend & extend human rights in Northern Ireland and across the UK. We are calling on the next UK Government to: Deliver a Bill of Rights for Northern Ireland We call on the […]

Human Rights Consortium Addresses Expert Audience on Article 2

02 July 2024

The Human Rights Consortium was invited to address the Equality Coalition event “Article 2 of the Windsor Framework – Where Are We Now?” in May to provide a civil society perspective on Article 2 stemming from our Beyond Brexit project. Presenting on behalf of the Consortium, Niall Robb, our Research Officer, provided an overview of […]

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