| The Commission’s
powers and functions are set out in the Human Rights Commission Acts
2000 and 2001. Chapter 6 of the Good Friday Agreement, 1998, sets
out the roles of the Human Rights Commission, the Northern Ireland
Human Rights Commission and the Joint Committee of Representatives
of the two Human Rights Commissions.
The Human Rights Commission Act, 2000, confers a wide ranging jurisdiction
on the Commission to promote and protect human rights as defined
both in international agreements to which Ireland is a party and
in the Constitution. The functions of the Commission include the
following
- to keep under review the adequacy and effectiveness of law and
practice in the State relating to the protection of human rights;
- to consult with relevant national and international bodies;
- to make recommendations to Government on measures to strengthen,
protect and uphold human rights in the State;
- to promote understanding and awareness of the importance of
human rights and, for these purposes, to undertake or sponsor
research and educational activities in the field;
- to conduct enquiries. For this purpose the Commission will have
the means to obtain information, with recourse to the courts,
if necessary;
- to offer its expertise in human rights law to the courts in
suitable cases as amicus curiae, or friend of the court, in cases
involving human rights issues;
- to take legal proceedings to vindicate human rights in the State
or provide legal assistance to persons in this regard;
- to participate in the Joint Committee of Representatives of
members of the Commission and members of the Northern Ireland
Human Rights Commission.
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