Human Rights Chief appears immune to criticism

Brice Dickson

Responding to a speech given by the head of the Human Rights Commission on Wednesday at the UN in Geneva, Sinn Féin MLA Caitríona Ruane said that Brice Dickson appeared to be immune to the widespread criticism of his performance and the demand for him to be replaced.

"There is a litany of major problems surrounding the Human Rights Commission, its lack of independence, unbalanced representation and questionable approach to issues such as the Bill of Rights to date," pointed out Ruane. "As constituted, the Commission does not command public confidence. Brice Dickson is well aware of this.

"Sinn Féin, along with other groups interested in the creation of a rights-based society, has called for Brice Dickson to resign from his position as a first stage in public confidence in the body being restored.

"Given Professor Dickson's performance at the UN this afternoon, it seems that he is completely immune to the very serious concerns that have been raised about his performance as Chief Commissioner.

"The Human Rights Commission is broken and needs to be fixed."

Ruane pledged that Sinn Féin will keep raising the issue with the two governments in the time ahead "as part of our efforts to see the demands of the Good Friday Agreement regarding the Human Rights Commission delivered".