Limavady child poverty highlighted by Northern Ireland Human Rights body

In a section entitled “human rights and the economic crisis”, Chief Commissioner, Professor Michael O’Flaherty, notes: “One issue that has emerged as a high priority for the Commission is that of how to address the scourge of poverty.”

He adds: “The statistics speak for themselves. In 2010/11 there were 335,000 in relative poverty, and 232,000 people in absolute poverty in NI.”

Referring specifically to the North West areas of Londonderry and Limavady, he continues: “The situation for children is particularly disturbing: according to the Department for Social Development (DSD), 44 per cent of children in Derry/Londonderry live in poverty, with the figure in Limavady being 34 per cent. Overall the child poverty figure in NI is 28 per cent, higher than elsewhere in the UK.

“Fuel poverty is another disturbing indicator. According to the NI Housing Executive, over 40 per cent of households cannot afford to heat their homes. The problem is particularly acute in rural areas. The starkness of the situation, which engages a number of human rights, is being brought home to me time and time again in the meetings I have with people from across NI.”

Professor O’Flaherty continues: “In Newry I met with abused women who cannot gain access to overcrowded shelters and, because they are unable to afford an alternative, have to return home to violent partners. In Derry/Londonderry, people living with disability spoke to me of the inadequacy of the welfare provisions.”

He adds: “The Commission has made submissions to various international monitoring bodies. It has provided human rights analysis of the relevant policy papers and legislation to the NI Assembly and the Westminster Parliament. The Commission has also engaged consistently and widely regarding the Programme for Government and the Welfare Reform Bill. The protection of human rights in recessionary times is our principal theme for International Human Rights Day 2012.”

Speaking to the Sentinel, NIHRC Chief Commissioner Michael O’Flaherty commented: “Poverty lies at the root of much of the undermining of human rights across the world, including in Northern Ireland. The Commission’s annual statement for 2012 highlights poverty as a priority human rights issue. It draws attention to startling 2000/11 figures which show that 44 per cent of children in Derry/Londonderry live in poverty and 34 per cent in Limavady.

“The statement is both commentary and advice to Government, and a key information source for the people of Northern Ireland. It records areas where improvements are needed and also where progress has been made. Local authorities also have a key role to play in protecting human rights and we welcome the fact that the Limavady Borough Council will be considering this report.”