Human Rights in Northern Ireland

The protection of human rights in any part of the world is a continuous process in which efforts to advance standards and core rights need to be reviewed, assessed and updated. Northern Ireland is no different in that regard, with notable human rights achievements having emerged here historically but with much more to do if we are to become a society with human rights at its core.

Due to the contested nature of our politics, the civil rights movements, the recent troubles, concerns about inequalities in our society and many other issues we have a long history of activism on human rights and equality issues locally right across all sections of our community.

Much good work does exist at a community and public level to make changes that impact on the direct enjoyment of rights. But these efforts are taking place in a wider vacuum where there is no long-term plan or agreement on the protection of rights. The recent uncertainties and challenges created by Brexit, political instability, COVID-19 and talks of constitutional change only enhance the vulnerability of rights here but also make their protection as much of a priority as ever.

The festival approach allows for engagement across a range of issues, views and formats and brings together activists, artists and members of the public in what we hope is a creative and positive dialogue about rights and how we can celebrate and protect them in Northern Ireland and beyond.