House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission: Core Functions

Wednesday 8 December 2021 · 2 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 0 Partly answered 2 Not answered 0

Key points

Liz Twist asked about the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission's ability to carry out its core functions.
The Minister confirmed the UK government's commitment to ensuring the commission has the necessary resources.
Liz Twist inquired about the risk to human rights safeguards if article 16 is activated.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Liz Twist Lab Blaydon and Consett

Northern Ireland

Context

The Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission faces operational challenges that have prompted questions about its ability to function effectively.

Question

If he will make an assessment of the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission's ability to carry out its core functions.

Answer from Conor Burns

We value the important work of the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission in championing human rights in Northern Ireland. We are committed to ensuring the commission has the resources and the ability to carry out its functions, and we remain in close contact with the chief executive and their staff.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific assessment of the commission's ability was not provided

How: We Are Committed

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Q2 Liz Twist Lab Blaydon and Consett

Northern Ireland Standards & Ethics

Context

The risk of activating article 16 under the protocol could undermine the human rights safeguards secured under article 2, raising concerns among organisations like the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission.

Question

One of the many risks of activating article 16 is the chance that human rights safeguards secured under article 2 and relied on by organisations such as the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission will fall by the wayside. Will the Minister confirm that any negotiations involving the protocol will not lead to the unravelling of article 2 commitments?

Answer from Conor Burns

I am happy to confirm to the hon. Lady that the provisions of article 2 are unconnected to any triggering of article 16. We are absolutely committed to seeing no diminution of human rights in Northern Ireland.