Press Releases | CAJ - Committee on the Administration of Justice

02.12.2011 Human rights groups concerned at apparent propaganda stunt over Loughgall report

Human rights groups the Committee on the Administration of Justice (CAJ) and the Pat Finucane Centre (PFC) have raised serious concerns as to how potentially inaccurate information, allegedly reflecting findings of an unpublished report by the PSNI’s Historical Enquiries Team (HET) into the Loughgall killings, has been published in today’s (2… Read more

02.11.11 CAJ seriously concerned at reports PSNI intends to arrest leading human rights lawyer

“CAJ is seriously concerned at reports the PSNI intend to arrest leading human rights lawyer Peter Corrigan tomorrow (Thursday 3 November 2011). Read more

20.10.11 “POLICE OMBUDSMAN MUST GO NOW”: HUMAN RIGHTS N.G.O.s

Three top human rights groups, British Irish rights watch (BIRW), the Committee on the Administration of Justice (CAJ), and the Pat Finucane Centre (PFC), today issued a statement saying that Al Hutchinson, the discredited Police Ombudsman for Northern Ireland should resign immediately. Speaking on behalf of all three groups, Jane Winter,… Read more

12.10.11 Finucane Review is a Broken Promise

CAJ has responded to today’s announcement by the Secretary of State in relation to the details of the review into the death of Pat Finucane. Brian Gormally, CAJ Director, says: “CAJ considers that the review into the death of Pat Finucane, as outlined today by Secretary of State Owen Paterson in the House of Commons, falls short of… Read more

11.10.11 CAJ appalled at Finucane decision

The Committee on the Administration of Justice (CAJ) has released the following statement in relation to today’s announcement by the British government that there is to be no Public Inquiry into the murder of Pat Finucane. Gemma McKeown, Solicitor at CAJ says: “We are appalled at today’s announcement that there will not be a proper Inquiry… Read more

19.09.2011 Investigation of historic cases is a legal obligation, not an option

CAJ has issued a response in relation to a number of recent comments which suggest that the investigation of historic cases by the Office of the Police Ombudsman for Northern Ireland (OPONI) should end. Dr Mick Beyers, Policing Programme Officer at CAJ said: “ The investigation of historic cases engages legal obligations and therefore it is… Read more

08.09.2011 CAJ calls for the immediate resignation of Police Ombudsman

The Committee on the Administration of Justice (CAJ) has officially called for the immediate resignation of the Police Ombudsman for Northern Ireland, Al Hutchinson. The call comes as a third report into the operation of the Office of the Police Ombudsman (OPONI) was released this week. The report, by Criminal Justice Inspection Northern… Read more

Human Rights and racial discrimination in Northern Ireland: Ethnic Minority delegation addresses the UN

CAJ is lobbying in Geneva today, along with a delegation organised by NICEM. The press release below is from NICEM: An eight-member delegation from Northern Ireland has made an oral statement to the UN Committee on Racial Discrimination this morning in Geneva. The delegation requests that the UK and the NI devolved government take the… Read more

23.05.11 CAJ’s initial comments on Rosemary Nelson Inquiry Report

For immediate release 23 May 2011 The Committee on the Administration of Justice commented today on the publication of the report of the Rosemary Nelson Inquiry. Mike Ritchie, Director of CAJ, said: “Rosemary Nelson was a valued member of the CAJ Executive at the time of her death, and we knew her to be a woman and a lawyer of absolute… Read more

CAJ voices concern at Hydebank deaths

CAJ voices concern over Hydebank deaths For immediate release 5 th May 2011 The Committee on the Administration of Justice (CAJ) is concerned to learn of the deaths of 2 young prisoners in Hydebank Young Offenders centre. Aideen Gilmore, Deputy Director of CAJ said: “In a recently published report, CAJ highlighted that the Northern… Read more

04.04.2011 CAJ issues Human Rights Manifesto

The Committee on the Administration of Justice (CAJ) has issued a ‘Human Rights Manifesto’ in the run up to the May Assembly elections. The manifesto outlines CAJ’s basic human rights goals for the new Assembly and confirms that the protection and promotion of human rights must be at the core of the next phase of devolved government. Mike… Read more

22.03.2011 CAJ highlights concerns over 50:50 Consultation

CAJ highlights concerns over 50:50 Consultation The Committee on the Administration of Justice (CAJ) has voiced concern over today’s announcement by the Secretary of State to end the use of 50:50 recruitment provisions. Aideen Gilmore, Deputy Director of CAJ says: “In our recent response to the consultation by government on whether to renew… Read more

24.02.2011 CAJ comments on 28 day detention ruling

CAJ comments on 28 day detention ruling 24 February 2011 For immediate release The Committee on the Administration of Justice expressed its deep disappointment at the ruling in the High court today that 28 day detention is compatible with the European Convention on Human Rights. The ruling, by Northern Ireland’s top judge, Declan Morgan… Read more

03.02.2011 CAJ highlights concerns over Prison Review Team member

The Committee on the Administration of Justice (CAJ) has voiced concern over a potential conflict of interest surrounding one of the members of the Prison Review Team, Phil Wheatley. Mr Wheatley has been a member of the Justice Minister-appointed Prison Review Team since its inception in June 2010 but has also recently begun a consultancy… Read more

10.11.2010 “Northern Ireland’s prison system is broken” CAJ calls for new approach to prison reform

Press Notice “Northern Ireland’s prison system is broken” CAJ calls for new approach to prison reform 10 November 2010 For immediate release The Committee on the Administration of Justice (CAJ) has released a report entitled ‘Prisons and Prisoners in Northern Ireland – Putting human rights at the heart of prison reform’ which… Read more

16.09.2010 CAJ addresses US Congress today

Press Notice CAJ addresses US Congress today 16 September 2010 For immediate release Aideen Gilmore, Deputy Director of the Committee on the Administration of Justice (CAJ) will today address the Subcommittee on International Organizations, Human Rights and Oversight of the US Congress Foreign Affairs Committee. This extremely important… Read more

14.09.2010 Northern Ireland Human Rights Group to Testify at US Congress Committee on Foreign Affairs

Press Notice Northern Ireland Human Rights Group to Testify at US Congress Committee on Foreign Affairs 14 September 2011 For immediate release Ms Aideen Gilmore, Deputy Director of the Committee on the Administration of Justice (CAJ) will testify at an open hearing of the Subcommittee on International Organizations, Human Rights and… Read more

23.08.2010 CAJ expresses concern at proposed cuts to the NI Human Rights Commission

Press Statement 23 August 2010 For immediate release The Committee on the Administration of Justice (CAJ) today expressed concern at proposed cuts to the NI Human Rights Commission. Deputy Director, Aideen Gilmore, said: “The international standards relating to national human rights institutions such as the NIRHC are very clear that they… Read more

14.07.2010 DUP and Sinn Fein asked to try again on Parades Bill

Press Statement DUP and Sinn Féin asked to try again on Parades Bill 14th July 2010 For immediate release The Committee on the Administration of Justice (CAJ) today submitted its response to the consultation on the Public Assemblies, Parades and Protest Bill. CAJ has called for a review of the draft legislation as it amounts to a severe… Read more

11.06.2010 CAJ reacts to Prisoner Ombudsman Report

Press Release CAJ reacts to Prisoner Ombudsman Report 11 June 2010 For immediate release The Committee on the Administration of Justice (CAJ) has welcomed the publication of today’s report by the Prisoner Ombudsman, Pauline McCabe, regarding the current situation in Roe House, Maghaberry Prison. CAJ recently expressed its concerns… Read more