Question to the Northern Ireland Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, what steps he plans to take to help ensure that the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission is able to operate in full compliance with United Nations General Assembly Resolution 48/134, known as the Paris Principles.

We are aware of the recent recommendations made by the Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions regarding the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission and are working with the Commission to review the issues raised.

We provide funding to the Commission both for their work in the protection of rights set out in the Belfast/Good Friday Agreement, but also for their participation in the Dedicated Mechanism. We are absolutely committed to ensuring the Commission has the ability and resources to carry out its core functions, and we are in regular communication with the Chief Commissioner, Commissioners and staff regarding the important work that the Commission carries out.