Equality and Human Rights

The Department of Educations Equality Unit was established in January 2001.  The Unit was set up to take a more strategic approach to the promotion of equality of opportunity and human rights reflected in the Northern Ireland Executive Programme for Government.

The Units areas of responsibility include:

• Out-working of the Departments Equality Scheme and the Equality Agenda;
• Human Rights in Education issues;
• New Targeting Social Need;
• Education Policy for Ethnic Minorities - including Irish Travellers; and
• Development of the Special Educational Needs and Disability Order in Northern Ireland.

The Unit has put in place and continues to develop productive working relationships with all of the Departments Non Departmental Public Bodies as well as both the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission and the Equality Commission for Northern Ireland.