Question to the Northern Ireland Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, what assessment he made for the implications of his policies of the UK’s commitments under the Paris Principles for National Human Rights Institutions when making appointments to the NI Human Rights Commission.

Appointments to the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission (NIHRC) are regulated by the Commissioner for Public Appointments and made by the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland in accordance with the Northern Ireland Act 1998 and the Governance Code for Public Appointments.

A key part of the process is to ensure, as far as reasonably practicable, that there is pluralist representation by drawing from a strong and diverse field of candidates who have experience in the protection and promotion of human rights. This well-established approach supports the Government’s commitment to the Paris Principles.

The Government recognises the importance of the NIHRC retaining its ‘A status’ under the Paris Principles. We remain committed to supporting the work of the NIHRC and continuing to engage with the Commissioners going forward.