1. HEALTH AND HUMAN RIGHTS

2. NIHRC The role of the Commission To keep law and practice under review Advise government on the protection of human rights Advise the Northern Ireland Assembly Promote understanding and awareness of human rights Publish advice

3. NIHRC The work of the Commission Casework Investigations Advice and guidance Education and training Bill of rights

4. Outline of issues to be covered 1. The connection between public health, medicine, medical ethics and human rights:- Goals of the NHS Goals of public health 2. Indicators for a human rights based approach to health 3. The European Convention on Human Rights and the Human Rights Act Case law examples

5. Common threads Dignity Equality Respect Fairness autonomy

6. The Convention Rights Right to life Prohibition of torture Prohibition of slavery and forced labour Right to liberty and security Right to a fair trial Right to respect for private life Freedom of thought Freedom of conscience and religion Freedom of expression Freedom of assembly and association Right to marry Right to an effective remedy Prohibition of discrimination Right to peaceful enjoyment of possessions Other rights including elections, education.

7. The nature of the rights The right not to be tortured is the only absolute right. All other rights are limited by conditions The concept of proportionality is very important

8. Public Authority The duty on the public authority S 6(1) it is unlawful for a public authority to act in a way which is incompatible with a convention right. This covers A court or tribunal Any person or body certain of whose functions are of a public nature

9. Preventative medicine Public health The right to life Prohibition of torture

10. Healing Right to life Prohibition of torture Right to respect for private life Freedom of conscience and religion Prohibition of discrimination Freedom of expression

11. Care of the convalescent Right to life Prohibition of torture Right to liberty Right to respect for private life Freedom of religion Prohibition of discrimination

12. Human rights are about human dignity, equality and Freedom.” Arthur Chaskalson, President of South African Constitutional Court Belfast December 2000

13. Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission Temple Court, 39 North Street, Belfast BT1 1NA Tel: (028) 9024 3987 Fax: (028) 9024 7844 Textphone: (028) 9024 9066 Email: Information @nihrc.org Website: www.nihrc.org