The Committee on the Administration of Justice has an extensive programme on the protection and promotion of human rights. We monitor the work of the Government and respond to UN examinations of the Government in relation to international treaties. We run human rights training for vulnerable and marginalized communities who want to access information on using a rights based approach to bring about change and we train and lobby on the proposed Bill of Rights for Northern Ireland to make sure people are aware of the process and that the final product delivers the best Bill of Rights possible for Northern Ireland. Overall, we work in this area to help create a vibrant and positive culture of rights so people can enjoy the highest standards of human rights.

CAJ works to ensure that human rights protections are promoted, defended and reinforced by ensuring the implementation by government of its human rights obligations; building support for a Bill of Rights and a strong culture of human rights.

Bill of Rights

The Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission (NIHRC) delivered its final advice to the Secretary of State on a Bill of Rights for Northern Ireland on the 10th December 2008. 

This advice follows on from work by the Bill of Rights Forum in March 2008 and from a long and often arduous journey towards achieving this Bill of Rights dating back to the NIHRC 's original consultation in 2001. The Government is now responsible for this advice, for consulting with the people as to its contents and for ensuring its safe passage into legislation.

CAJ has been campaigning for a Bill of Rights for Northern Ireland since 1981 as we believe that a Bill of Rights worth its salt will offer the people here the strongest possible human rights protections that recognises the abuses of the past but will also contribute to a just and peaceful society in the future. As such, we have developed an extensive programme of work in this area.

CAJ delivers training on the proposed Bill of Rights for Northern Ireland. We will also run a series of briefings on where the Bill of Rights debate is at. We also have a series of papers available, including our guide to the Best Bill of Rights.