Bill of rights blueprint launched

The launch was boycotted by the DUP and the Catholic Church.

The Bill of Rights Forum has delivered its recommendations to the Human Rights Commission.

The report has been compiled by a group representing the main political parties and different sectors of society.

The DUP and the Catholic Church boycotted the launch because of concerns over the lack of rights for unborn children.

Forum chairman Chris Sidoti said the boycott was superficial in that all the necessary work had already been done.

"What is important to me is that all those who commenced this process, completed the process," said the human rights lawyer.

"The DUP, Sinn Fein, the other parties, community groups.. nobody walked away from the important process of discussing human rights in Northern Ireland.

"That's what is important to me, not who happened to turn up for tea and cakes."

The Bill of Rights Forum which was established following commitments made within the 1998 Good Friday Agreement and the St Andrews Agreement in October 2006.

It is comprised of representatives from the five largest political parties, churches, businesses, trade unions and other sectors of society.

Fundamental rights

Unionists have tried to limit the bill's scope whilst nationalists have favoured a broader remit.

The forum's role has been to provide advice to the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission on a future Bill of Rights for Northern Ireland.

The proposed law would protect the fundamental rights and freedoms to which each person is entitled.

Those rights might include the right to life, the right to freedom of religion, the right to freedom of expression, the right to education or the right to good health care.