The Situation in Brief
Northern Ireland is a society emerging from a long and bloody conflict. Inequality and abuse of human rights have had a central role in the conflict, and sustained segregation and discrimination perpetuate social inequity. While the political progress achieved in recent years has been historic, particularly with the establishment of a power-sharing Legislative Assembly in May 2007, there is still much work to be done.
Reconciliation & Human Rights Programme Goals in Northern Ireland
- Build an enduring capacity to protect rights, particularly for immigrants and people with disabilities
- Encourage sharing, cohesion, and integration by strengthening advocacy efforts, particularly in education and in areas most affected by the legacy of the conflict
Reconciliation & Human Rights Resources
- Committee on the Administration of Justice, www.caj.org.uk
- Northern Ireland Council for Ethnic Minorities, www.nicem.org.uk
- Participation and Practice of Rights Project, www.pprproject.org
- Shared Education Programme, Queen’s University of Belfast, www.schoolsworkingtogether.co.uk
- Suffolk Lenadoon Interface Group, www.slig.co.uk
Facts at a Glance
- More than 220 people have been killed in conflict-related deaths since the signing of the Belfast Agreement of 1998.1
- There are 53 government-maintained peace-lines in Northern Ireland.2
- Reports of racially motivated incidents and crimes rose from 453 in 2003-04 to 813 for 2004-05.3
- 21% of the population has a disability – an higher incidence level than in Britain or the Republic of Ireland.4
Footnotes
1. Source: Various sources.
2. Source: Northern Ireland Office, 2004.
3. Source: Office of the First and Deputy First Minister
4. Source: NISRA 2007
