Public Assemblies, Parades And Protests In Northern Ireland

international | rights, freedoms and repression | opinion/analysis

Wednesday April 28, 2010 14:31

by Mulholland - none

Tradition and/or human rights

On April 20th 2010 the Office of the First and Deputy First Minister of the Northern Assembly released the consultation paper drawn up by the Assembly Working Party on Parading Issues.

Do you think 'traditional rights' or 'cultural expressions' of sectarian domination that have been established through violence and corruption should be equated with basic human rights? Now is the time to share your views.

PUBLIC ASSEMBLIES, PARADES AND PROTESTS IN NORTHERN IRELAND
On April 20th 2010 the Office of the First and Deputy First Minister of the Northern Assembly released the consultation paper drawn up by the Assembly Working Party on Parading Issues.
The contents of the Northern Ireland Assembly Consultation Paper on Parades and Protests - and how to submit your response - can be had via this link: http://www.nidirect.gov.uk/public-assemblies-parades-an...2.pdf

The consultation paper proposes the establishment of two bodies. One will be concerned with mediation and encouraging dialogue between the ‘Loyal Orders’ and objectors or protestors. It is to be called the Office of Public Assembly, Parades and Protests (OPAPP).
The actual adjudication body will be called the Public Assemblies, Parades and Protests Body (PAPPB) and will be charged with making decisions on parades and protests.
The Office of First and Deputy First Minister will issue a code of conduct on parading in about three weeks time. That code will be made legally binding; that is, it will become a criminal offence for anyone to engage in disruption, harassment or abuse of people parading or protesting.
Anyone wishing to make a submission will find a copy of the Garvaghy and Ormeau Road joint submission and a history and analysis of Orange parades and protests on my blog at: http://orangecitadel.blogspot.com/

Serious observations and suggestions can also be posted to me via that blog. This is a Human Rights issue – not an opportunity for party-political point-scoring.