Laws that protect people's Human Rights in Northern Ireland
- Learning for Life and Work
- Apr 7
- 3 min read
Updated: 2 days ago
In a multi-cultural country, like Northern Ireland, it is important that all citizens are included and that all differences are respected. To ensure that everyone receives their Human Rights, laws have been passed that make discrimination on the grounds of race, ethnic origin, gender, disability, political opinion, sexual orientation or religion illegal.
Laws that protect people's Human Rights in Northern Ireland include:
Human Rights Act (1998)
The Human Rights Act 1998 is a law that allows people to protect their human rights in UK courts. It requires public organisations to treat everyone equally, with respect, fairness, and dignity. This law is based on the European Convention on Human Rights, which lists the fundamental rights and freedoms everyone is entitled to. Before this law, people had to take their human rights cases to the European Court of Human Rights in Strasbourg, France. Now, they can have their cases heard in UK courts, making it easier and quicker to seek justice.
Section 75 of the Northern Ireland Act (1998)
is concerned with the promotion of equality of opportunity. This law means that it is compulsory for government departments such as Education, Health and Justice, and other bodies such as the Housing Executive and the PSNI to actively promote equality between people of different religions, ages, disabilities, racial groups, marital status, political opinion and gender.
Race Relations Order (1997)
makes it illegal to discriminate against someone on the grounds of colour, race or ethnic origin. This law also makes it illegal to encourage others to become racist or act in a racist way (inciting racial hatred).
Equal Pay Act (NI) (1970)
makes it unlawful for employers to discriminate between men and women in terms of pay and conditions. Men and women must get paid the same amount of money if they are doing a job that is of 'equal value' (i.e. same skills, same knowledge, same demands of the job.)
Sex Discrimination (NI) Order 1976
makes it illegal to discriminate against individuals because of their gender - men and women must have equal opportunities the different areas like employment.
Disability Discrimination Act 1995
makes it illegal to discriminate against an individual who has a disability. Therefore able-bodied, disabled and some people with mental impairment must be given the same opportunities.
QUESTIONS YOU COULD BE ASKED ON THIS
Explain one reason why the Human Rights Act is significant (2marks)
One reason the Human Rights Act is important is that it allows individuals to defend their human rights in UK courts. This means that those who violate human rights can be punished and required to provide compensation. This should act as a deterrent and encourage the promotion of human rights.
Name one group of people protected by Section 75 of the Northern Ireland Act (1mark)
People with different religious beliefs
Name two groups of people Section 75 of the Northern Ireland Act (1998) protects from discrimination (1mark&1mark)
People of different races
People of different ages
Explain what Section 75 of the Northern Ireland Act (1998) is (2 marks)
Section 75 is a law that requires public authorities to promote equality of opportunity and good relations between people in nine equality categories, such as religion, age, gender, and disability. It aims to reduce discrimination and ensure fairness in public services and decision-making.
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