Latest News
30th anniversary celebrations with Council of Europe Human Rights Commissioner, Thomas Hammarberg
09 December 2011
CAJ celebrated its 30th anniversary with the Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights, Thomas Hammarberg, this afternoon at a reception in the CAJ office in Belfast. Mr Hammarberg congratulated CAJ on reaching this significant milestone, saying: "Congratulations to CAJ on its birthday after 30 years of great contributions to human… Read more
2010 / 2011 Annual Report launched
07 November 2011
The latest CAJ Annual Report is now available for download from here. Read more
Conference Report - Counter-terrorism and human rights: the permanence of temporary powers, June 2011
31 October 2011
You can view the report of our recent conference, 'Counter-terrorism and human rights: the permanence of temporary powers' which was held in June 2011 here. Read more
CAJ at Culture Night 2011
14 October 2011
On September 23rd 2011, during Culture Night Belfast, locals, immigrants, emigrants and visitors alike told us what they thought of their right to culture. We put together these illuminating thoughts in a ‘Charter of Cultural Rights for Northern Ireland 2011.’ We hope you enjoy reading as much as we enjoyed engaging... View the Charter Read more
3 reasons for an independent Inquiry into a death where the state may have been involved
12 October 2011
When the law is broken, particularly when someone is unlawfully killed, it is the duty of the state – the government and its agencies – to investigate and bring the perpetrator to justice. That is usually the job of the criminal justice system including the police, the prosecution service and the courts. When, however, there are credible… Read more
Beijing Quilt
12 September 2011
In February 1995, the Committee on the Administration of Justice’s gender equality group, met to discuss the production of what was to become the “Beijing Quilt”. The group had been inspired by the efforts of others (including the “One World” quilt) to develop visual images which would act as a focus for debate. It was decided to produce a… Read more
CAJ lobbying the UN in Geneva today
22 August 2011
Debbie Kohner, Equality Programme Officer with CAJ is lobbying in Geneva today. Debbie, along with a delegation from NICEM, will provide an oral statement to the UN Committee on Racial Discrimination. A summary of points from the oral evidence submitted to this Committee can be found by clicking here. More information can be obtained by… Read more
CAJ responds to the NIO
20 July 2011
CAJ has responded to communication it received from the Northern Ireland Office in relation to its recent report into the Office of the Police Ombudsman for Northern Ireland. Both items of correspondence are below. NIO letter to CAJ CAJ response to the NIO Read more
CAJ launches critical Report on the Office of the Police Ombudsman
16 June 2011
A pdf of the report can be downloaded by clicking here Hard copies of the report can be obtained from the CAJ office. Read more
The Rosemary Nelson Inquiry Report - Overall Conclusions
24 May 2011
The Rosemary Nelson Inquiry Report Overall Conclusions Our Terms of Reference required us ‘ To inquire into the death of Rosemary Nelson with a view to determining whether any wrongful act or omission by or within the Royal Ulster Constabulary, Northern Ireland Office, Army or other state agency facilitated her death or obstructed the… Read more
SURVEY - The Public Prosecution Service: Your Views
18 May 2011
CAJ is currently undertaking research into the Public Prosecution Service (PPS) in Northern Ireland. The primary aim of this research is to gauge public confidence in the PPS and to explore issues of decision-making, human rights compliance and accountability. We are interested in tracking individual opinions and experiences of the PPS.… Read more
Conference Announcement
17 May 2011
In order to mark our 30 th anniversary , CAJ will hold a conference on Tuesday 21 st June in Belfast entitled ‘Counter-terrorism and Human Rights: The Permanence of Temporary Powers.’ To register, please email events@caj.org.uk or call 028 9031 6000 Draft Agenda 21 June 2011 Holiday Inn, Ormeau Avenue, Belfast 30 years ago,… Read more
TJI conference - Women, Transition, and Institutional Reform: Northern Ireland and Beyond
09 May 2011
Jacqueline Monahan, CAJ's Criminal Justice Programme Officer, will take part in an upcoming TJI conference entitled Women, Transition, and Institutional Reform: Northern Ireland and Beyond. See attached pdf for more details TJI Conference info Read more
CAJ issues Human Rights Manifesto
04 April 2011
Human Rights Manifesto Assembly Elections 2011 The Committee on the Administration of Justice calls on political parties to consider the following matters for inclusion in their programme for the coming elections and Assembly term. We are pleased that devolution of policing and justice has happened and appears to be bedding down without any of… Read more
CAJ highlights concerns over 50:50 Consultation
22 March 2011
CAJ has issued a press release in relation to today's announcement by the Secretary of State to end the use of 50:50 recruitment provisions. See here - http://www.caj.org.uk/contents/848 Read more
This week's seminar has been POSTPONED
21 March 2011
The Seminar originally scheduled for this Thursday is postponed in support of the University and College Union (UCU) strike to protest changes to pension programmes currently controlled by the Universities Superannuation Scheme and job security. This week’s Seminar with Breidge Gadd, Former Chief Probation Officer has been rescheduled for… Read more
Today is International Women's Day!
08 March 2011
Today marks the 100 th anniversary of International Women’s Day across the world. Aideen Gilmore, Deputy Director of the Committee on the Administration of Justice (CAJ) said: “The Belfast/Good Friday Agreement made specific reference to the rights of women to full and equal participation in political life, and as such all parties to the… Read more
Transcript of Denis Bradley's contribution at our recent event, 'The Past is Still Present. The Legacy of the conflict: where do we go from here?'
23 February 2011
Denis Bradley transcript Read more
Spring Seminar Series 2011
22 February 2011
The Committee on the Administration of Justice & The School of Sociology, Social Work & Social Policy Spring Semester Seminar Programme 2011 The Legacy of our Past: Exploring the challenges of institutional reform & cultural change This seminar series, jointly coordinated by the Policing Programme at CAJ and the School of… Read more
Statement on custody sentence for theft of £10 jeans
03 February 2011
CAJ has voiced its shock at the 3 month jail sentence imposed on Alison Hewitt, a 27 year old single mother from Strabane, for stealing a pair of jeans that cost £10. Director Mike Ritchie, says: “A 3 month custodial sentence for a first time offender seems very hash in these circumstances, particularly bearing in mind that Ms Hewitt is a… Read more