Paterson Announces Appointments to the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission
Secretary of State Owen Paterson MP today announced the appointment of Michael O'Flaherty as the new Chief Commissioner of the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission and Grainia Long, Christine Collins, John Corey, Milton Kerr, Alan McBride, Marion Reynolds and Paul Yam as new Commissioners.
Secretary of State Owen Paterson MP today announced the appointment of Michael O’Flaherty as the new Chief Commissioner of the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission and Grainia Long, Christine Collins, John Corey, Milton Kerr, Alan McBride, Marion Reynolds and Paul Yam as new Commissioners.
Owen 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. I am confident that the new Chief Commissioner and Commissioners will help meet these challenges in a way that commands support across the community.
The Secretary of State also thanked the five outgoing Commissioners, Colin Harvey, Geraldine Rice, Anne Hope, Thomas Duncan and Alan Henry and paid a special thanks to the outgoing Chief Commissioner, Monica McWilliams, for the work that has been completed under her leadership.
He said:
The outgoing Chief Commissioner and Commissioners have made a valuable contribution to the promotion and protection of human rights in Northern Ireland . I am extremely grateful to them for their commitment over the last six years.