Les Allamby

Launching its latest annual statement in a virtual event, the rights watchdog said there had been progress on some fronts but long-standing issues remain unresolved.

Chief commissioner Les Allamby, who will complete his term in August 2021, said: “This year has been hugely challenging for a variety of reasons, not least the coronavirus pandemic and its impact on human rights, political and policy developments.

“The hope and ambitions set out in the New Decade, New Approach document at the beginning of the year were dimmed as Northern Ireland moved into lockdown, and the Northern Ireland Executive suddenly faced an unprecedented public health challenge.

“Human rights do not take a back seat during public emergencies. There has been progress made on a number of fronts during the pandemic, and our 2020 Annual Statement records these developments alongside long outstanding issues that remain unsolved.

“As we move into 2021 and the UK’s withdrawal from the EU, the Commission is preparing to take on a new role within the dedicated mechanism – set out in the Ireland/Northern Ireland protocol – alongside the Equality Commission for NI. We will work diligently with the ECNI, and as part of the joint committee with the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission to ensure that rights protection here keeps pace with the EU.

“This is all the more important as the government this week has embarked on an independent review of the Human Rights Act and the impact of the Act on the relationship between the Cabinet, Parliament and the courts. We need to continue to be vigilant in safeguarding important legal safeguards.”