OPINION: The failure to deliver on a Bill of Rights in NI is unacceptable - Mark H Durkan

The protection it would afford is needed more than ever.

The SDLP has long advocated for, and strongly supports, a robust Bill of Rights, one that includes protections for socio-economic rights.

The Agreement mandated a Bill of Rights that would, among other things, reflect the ‘particular circumstances of Northern Ireland’. It is too often forgotten that disregard for socio-economic rights was at the heart of the conflict. A Bill of Rights would have a direct impact on the policy decisions that affect everyone in Northern Ireland, from health to education to housing.

By placing duties on Executive Ministers and other public authorities, a Bill of Rights would sharpen the focus at the beginning of the decision process and offer redress where things go wrong.

What’s more, a Bill of Rights could prove transformative for us in the North-West and other areas that are routinely neglected when policies and legislation are designed. In short: it would help to guarantee the rights of everyone in the north and provide remedies where those rights are breached, whatever the current or future constitutional status or political arrangements in place.

The Ad-Hoc Committee on a Bill of Rights, established by New Decade, New Approach, is running a consultation until January 29th. Respondents can make written submissions or fill in a simple survey online.

A Bill of Rights - or the lack of one - affects everyone in Derry and across Northern Ireland, so responses from the public will be enormously helpful in making real progress.

*To have your say go to: www.niassembly.gov.uk/assembly-business/committees/2017-2022/ad-hoc-committee-on-a-bill-of-rights/have-your-say-human-rights-in-northern-ireland/