Nottingham professor appointed to Northern Ireland human rights role

PA221/11 A University of Nottingham professor has been appointed as the new Chief Commissioner of the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission. Professor Michael O'Flaherty, of the University's School of Law, will lead the human rights watchdog for the next five years. The Commission advises the government and is responsible for protecting and promoting human rights throughout Northern Ireland; it also helps people whose rights may have been denied and can carry out its own investigations. Professor O'Flaherty's appointment was announced on Monday July 18th by Owen Paterson MP, Secretary of State for Northern Ireland. Mr Paterson said: "The Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission plays an important role in protecting and promoting human rights in Northern Ireland. The new Chief Commissioner and seven new Commissioners bring with them skills, understanding and knowledge that will contribute greatly to the Commission's work. "Twelve years after its establishment, the Commission continues to face a range of challenges that are changing as Northern Ireland society changes.