Bill must protect the vulnerable
HUMAN Rights are universal, and we will all benefit, both individually and as a society from the proposed Bill of Rights for Northern Ireland. A strong and inclusive Bill of Rights is needed to ensure protection for the most vulnerable in our society.
Deaf people are amongst those who are most isolated in our society, particularly when it comes to education. The DENI school leavers' survey in 2006 showed that 48.4 per cent of hearing impaired pupils attain 5 or more GCSE's compared to 64.4 per cent of their hearing peers, and 30.8 per cent of hearing impaired pupils attain two or more A-levels compared to 44.8 per cent of their hearing peers.
We also send 40 per cent of our deaf 11-year-olds to schools in Dublin or England to pursue their education.
What right to family life do they have if they cannot access an education of choice here in Northern Ireland and are forced to live apart from family. What choices does a deaf student have in terms of employment and training if, for example, their range of subjects at GCSE or A Level is limited to when an interpreter or communication support worker might be available?
A strong framework of rights for all, which provides protection for the most vulnerable is the mark of a civilised society, and one which can allow all its citizens to prosper, flourish and achieve their potential.
The advice on a Bill of Rights for Northern Ireland handed over from the Human Rights Commission to the Secretary of State this week has the capacity to deliver that, and it is to be hoped that there will be a positive response from him to it.
Pam Tilson
Communications manager,
Northern Ireland
Council for the Advancement of Communication with Deaf People
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Friday 25 May 2012
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