The Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, the Right Honourable Hilary Benn MP, has announced the reappointment of Justin Kouame to the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission.

Background

The Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission (the ‘NIHRC’) was created by the Northern Ireland Act 1998, as part of the Belfast (Good Friday) Agreement.

The NIHRC was established in 1999 and operates as an executive non-departmental public body sponsored by the Northern Ireland Office.

Its powers and duties are set out in legislation, and it operates in compliance with UN General Assembly resolution 48/134 (the ‘Paris Principles’) on National Human Rights Institutions. The NIHRC’s functions include keeping under review the adequacy and effectiveness in Northern Ireland of law and practice relating to the protection of human rights and promoting understanding and awareness of the importance of human rights in Northern Ireland. 

Further information about the work of the Commission can be found at: https://nihrc.org/about-us 

A biography for Justin Kouame can be found at: https://nihrc.org/about/who-we-are/our-people/justin-kouame

Terms of Appointment

• This position is part-time for a period of three years ending on 31 August 2028.
• The position receives a fixed annual remuneration of £7,500.
• The position is not pensionable.

Political Activity

All appointments are made on merit and with regards to the statutory requirements. Political activity plays no part in the selection process. However, in accordance with the original Nolan recommendations, there is a requirement for appointees’ political activity in defined categories to be made public. 

Mr Kouame has declared that he has not been politically active in the past five years. 

Regulation

The appointment is regulated by the Office of the Commissioner for Public Appointment (OCPA).

Statutory Requirements

The Secretary of State makes appointments to the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission in accordance with the Northern Ireland Act 1998.