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Commissioner for Human Rights Thomas Hammarberg visits Seven Towers, North Belfast, as part of his visit to the UK Sticky

“The work of the Seven Towers residents, and indeed all of the groups I met today who are supported by PPR, is playing a crucial role in promoting human rights. During this era of austerity, it is even more essential for government to take targeted measures to respect, protect and fulfil human rights - particularly for the most vulnerable. This requires vulnerable groups identifying violations, accessing information and scrutinising decisions, and engaging with government. A strong culture and practice of accountability and transparency are required to do this effectively. The work of these groups is central to that core mission.” – Thomas Hammarberg, Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights (December 2011)

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OFMDFM and Housing Executive Proposals ignore Equality Sticky

PPR responded to consultations on the planned operation of the Strategic Investment Fund and the Northern Ireland Housing Executive’s proposal to create a Belfast City Centre waiting list for social housing. As the Strategic Investment Fund is OFMDFM’s primary resourced policy to address inequality and objective need in some of the most deprived areas in Northern Ireland, PPR expresses concern about the lack of transparent criteria by which investment will be allocated, and the failure to adhere to equality legislation that would ensure that the proposed investment reaches those in most need.

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NIHE apology to Seven Towers Residents must be followed by action Sticky

The Northern Ireland Housing Executive NIHE were forced to publicly apologise after a recent response to a Freedom of Information request submitted by the Seven Towers Residents’ Group (STRG) revealed that specialist consultants advised the NIHE in June 2011 of their ‘serious concern over the condition of the metal surrounds to the balcony glazing units’ and recommended ‘in our opinion, it would not be unreasonable to stop people from using these balconies in due course.’

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Papering over the Cracks - DVD Documentary A Great Success Sticky

The Seven Towers Residents Group recently gave a private showing of the new documentary film ‘papering over the cracks’ to all those who took part in making it. It is a powerful story about the campaigns to realise the rights of the residents and the resistance to change they face from government and public bodies.
To view the film click 'read more'

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PPR wraps up the first Tools for Action Summer School Sticky

“The summer school was a brilliant and inspiring event for me and I am sure for the other participants, it was like a breath of fresh air – just what we need in these times.”

Eamonn Keenan, Summer School Participant, PlayBoard

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Nothing About Us, Without Us, Is For Us! Sticky

Lower Shankill Regeneration Board - Community Campaign for Economic and Social Rights Pays Off.

On Wednesday 1st June 2011 the new Minister for Social Development, Mr Nelson McCausland MLA, visited the Lower Shankill community and confirmed that the redevelopment of the area will commence in this financial year with the construction of 39 social and affordable homes in the centre of the estate. The social homes will be allocated to residents from the Lower Shankill whose homes are to be demolished due to poor conditions.

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Mary Robinson cites Seven Towers work as best practice Sticky

Former President of Ireland and former United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Mary Robinson has cited the work of the Seven Towers Residents Group as an example of “healthy democratic participation”. Speaking on the 6th May at the Amnesty International 50th Anniversary Conference in Belfast Mary Robinson said:

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One small step for respect....

Julie Magee lost her brother to suicide in tragic circumstances on 29th January 2011. Jonny’s mental health had deteriorated rapidly over the last week of his life and in the early morning of Saturday 29th, he walked out of A&E at Belfast City Hospital after waiting for several hours to be sectioned. He took is own life later that day. Despite a terrible year for her and her family. Julie has fought and succeeded to ensure that families bereaved by suicide are treated with more respect by the health service.

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Rialto Rights in Action Group meet UN Expert on Poverty and Human Rights

Since autumn 2009, PPR has been working with Rialto Rights in Action (facilitated by Community Action Network and local community activists) in Rialto, South Dublin to apply the PPR Human Rights Based Approach to the housing, health and play issues faced by residents there.


On 14th January 2011, residents from Rialto Rights in Action, Community Action Network, and PPR met with the UN Independent Expert on extreme poverty and human rights, Magdelena Sepúlveda who was visiting Ireland on a fact-finding mission.

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