The Equality Commission for Northern Ireland is a non departmental public body established by the Northern Ireland Act 1998. Our powers and duties derive from a number of statutes which have been enacted over the last decades, providing protection against discrimination on the grounds of age, disability, race, religion and political opinion, sex and sexual orientation. We also have responsibilities arising from the Northern Ireland Act 1998 in respect of the statutory equality and good relations duties which apply to public authorities.
Remit and responsibilities
In general terms our statutory remit provides that we are to:
- promote equality of opportunity and affirmative action
- work towards the elimination of unlawful discrimination and harassment
- keep relevant legislation under review
- promote good relations between persons of different racial groups and good disability practice
- oversee the effectiveness of statutory equality and good relations duties on public authorities
This statutory framework enables us to:
- promote equality through a range of mechanisms (eg. by providing direct advice and support to individuals and organisations)
- produce publications and run conferences and seminars
- undertake research and educational activities
- influence policy makers
- assist individuals with complaints of discrimination under the law
- consider complaints alleging failures to comply with an approved Equality Scheme and conduct investigations
- use a combination of our powers to encourage and to enforce changes to policy, practices and procedures in favour of greater equality and good relations.
