The Human Rights Commission have closed their formal consultation and since 2002 have been considering the many submissions they received in response to their consultation document. This has taken them much longer than expected for a number of reasons, and as a result the process has been considerably delayed.
They have recently published a "progress report" which highlights their latest thinking. This is available on their website - www.nihrc.org.

Please click here to read CAJ's letter to the Human Rights Commission on this report. A more detailed analysis of the text is also available. Please contact the office to obtain a copy.

The key focus of this phase in the debate is on getting the political parties more actively involved in the debate so that the advice ultimately submitted by the Human Rights Commission to the Secretary of State has the necessary breadth of political and public support. In an effort to facilitate political involvement in the debate there has been a proposal to establish a roundtable forum on the Bill of Rights which would be made up of the political parties and members of civil society. This would have an independent chair and secretariat, and its findings would go to the Human Rights Commission to be considered by the Commission in advance of it submitting its final advice to the Secretary of State. This idea has been endorsed by the two governments, and efforts are ongoing to get it off the ground. CAJ for its part is keen to see it be established, as we believe it would give the process the added boost it needs.

A Bill of Rights for Northern Ireland: Through the years - the views of the political parties, July 2003

This document provides a summary account of the position taken over the years by Northern Ireland's political parties on the idea of a Bill of Rights. It draws upon party statements, manifestos and other policy documents from the various parties, and is designed to give an overview of how the debate has evolved over the years. A4 format; 24 pages; Ref. 46; £3.50
click here to download as pdf (238kb)

"Dignity, Equality & Inalienable Rights", November 2001

Proceedings of a lecture given by Archbishop Desmond Tutu in Belfast, as part of a series of lectures on a Bill of Rights for Northern Ireland. A5 format; 22 pages; Ref. 45; £3.00

CAJ's response to the Commission's consultation document of September 2001. A4 format; 24 pages; S.125; £3.00
click here to download worddocument

Proceedings of a lecture given by Bruce Porter, Executive Director, Centre for Equality Rights in Accommodation and Co-ordinator, Canadian Charter Committee on Poverty issues, as part of a series of lectures on a Bill of Rights for Northern Ireland. A4 format; 21 pages; Ref. S.119; £2.00
click here to read whole document

Proceedings of a lecture given by Professor Sir Nigel Rodley, University of Essex as part of a series of lectures on a Bill of Rights for Northern Ireland. A4 format; 12 pages; Ref. S.118; £1.50
click here to read whole document

This summary is designed for those who want a quick overviews of the Commission's consultation document and briefly highlights some of their proposals. A4 format; 4 pages; Ref. S.117; £1.00
click here to read whole document

CAJ's initial and preliminary reactions to the Commission's consultation document - for a fuller response see the submission (s.125) above. A4 format; 6 pages; Ref. S.116; £1.00
click here to read whole document

This includes a proposed text for a Bill of Rights, proposals on implementation and enforcement, and background notes explaining briefly the main sources CAJ has used in drafting specific articles for the Bill of Rights. A4 format; 22 pages; Ref. S.106; £3.00. click here to read whole document

A simple Information Pack for use by local groups who are interested in learning more about human rights and how they can contribute to a Bill of Rights for Northern Ireland. The Pack is simple and easy to use and contains some background information and a number of exercises that groups can carry out, as well as a feedback form that can be sent to the Human Rights Commission. A4 format with an A5 booklet and various handouts. FREE. click here to access the Information Pack online

To order any of the above publications, kindly write out your request with the reference number for each publication. Include a cheque for the total amount plus 20% to cover the cost of postage. Send your request to:

CAJ
45/47 Donegall Street
Belfast BT1 2BR
Northern Ireland
or write an email

Bookshops can benefit from a 33% discount and a sale-or-return arrangement. Unfortunately CAJ cannot accept credit or debit card requests at this time.