A law professor at the University of Ulster has been appointed chief commissioner of the new Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission.
Prof Brice Dickson is head of legal studies at the University of Ulster. He was a law lecturer at Queen's University Belfast until 1991 and was a member and deputy chairman of the North's Equal Opportunities Commission from 1990-1996.
He also acted as a consultant to the Forum for Peace and Reconciliation. He has been a longstanding member of the Committee for the Administration of Justice, Amnesty International and Liberty. The Human Rights Commission will keep under review the adequacy and effectiveness of law and practice relating to the protection of human rights in the North.
It will advise the British government and the new executive at Stormont of measures which should be taken to protect human rights. It will study all proposed assembly bills and state whether, in its opinion, they are compatible with the European Convention on Human Rights.
The Commission will also help people whose rights have been denied or abused take a case to court and will, in certain situations, bring proceedings itself. It will also be able to carry out investigations. It will consult and advise on the drawing up of a Bill of Rights to suit the North's particular needs.
Prof Dickson said he was very much looking forward to taking up his appointment. "The commission represents an opportunity for all sections of the community here to develop greater confidence in the administration of justice.
"I will ensure that the commission performs its functions rigorously and efficiently, paying full attention to the internationally accepted rules and principles protecting human rights."