Equality Commission for Northern Ireland facts for kids

Quick facts for kids
Equality Commission for Northern Ireland

Irish: Coimisiún Comhionannais do Thuaisceart Éireann Ulster-Scots: Equalitie Commission fer Norlin Airlan
Agency overview
Formed	1 March 1999
Jurisdiction	Northern Ireland
Headquarters	Equality House, 7-9 Shaftesbury Square, Belfast BT2 7DP
Employees	69
Agency executives	Geraldine McGahey OBE, Chief Commissioner Neil Anderson, Deputy Chief Commissioner Dr. Evelyn Collins CBE, Chief Executive
Parent department	Executive Office
Key document	Northern Ireland Act 1998
Website	https://nihrc.org/

The Equality Commission for Northern Ireland (Irish: Coimisiún Comhionannais do Thuaisceart Éireann) is a group that works for the government in Northern Ireland. It was set up in 1999 by the Northern Ireland Act 1998. The Commission's main job is to make sure laws about fairness are followed. These laws cover things like treating people equally no matter their gender, how much they get paid, their race, age, religion, political views, or if they have a disability. The Commission also checks that public groups (like schools or hospitals) help everyone have fair chances and get along well.

What the Commission Does

The Equality Commission for Northern Ireland has a clear goal: they want Northern Ireland to be a place where everyone feels welcome and respected. They believe differences should be celebrated, and everyone should be treated fairly.

Their Main Mission

Their main goal is to make things fairer for everyone. They work to help people get equal chances and encourage good relationships between different groups. They also challenge and try to stop unfair treatment. They do this by giving advice, spreading awareness, and making sure rules are followed.

How They Help People

The Commission has important duties and jobs based on the laws they are responsible for.

Key Responsibilities

• They work to stop unfair treatment (discrimination) against anyone.
• They help everyone get fair chances and encourage good ways of doing things.
• They promote good relationships between people from different racial backgrounds.
• They check how well public organizations are promoting fairness and good relations.
• They keep an eye on the laws about equality and suggest improvements.

The Commission took over the jobs of several other groups on 1 October 1999. These included groups that worked on racial equality, equal opportunities, fair employment, and disability rights in Northern Ireland.

Since 1999, new laws have been added. The Commission now helps people understand and enforces anti-discrimination laws based on:

• Age
• Disability
• Race
• Gender (including if someone is married or in a civil partnership)
• Religious belief
• Political opinion

In 2008, the Commission also became part of a UK-wide group. This group helps make sure the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities is followed.

Who Leads the Commission

The Commission is led by a group of people called Commissioners.

Dr Evelyn Collins OBE is the Chief Executive. She leads the Commission's senior team. She has spoken about helping women get equal job chances in Northern Ireland. She also supports making equality groups stronger across Europe.

What People Think

In July 2009, Peter Robinson, a political leader, said the Commission did not have enough Protestant people working there. However, another political party, Sinn Féin, defended the Commission.

Other Related Groups

• Equality and Human Rights Commission (for England, Scotland, and Wales)
• Equality Authority (for the Republic of Ireland)
• Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister