Shared Goals

Extreme Poverty and Human Rights

Ending poverty is not only a matter of income, but it also involves dignity, justice, and human rights. In this episode, released in the framework of International Day for the Eradication of Poverty (17 Oct), NIHRC staff had the opportunity to talk with Professor Olivier De Schutter, UN Special Rapporteur on extreme poverty and human rights [https://www.srpoverty.org/]. During this conversation, we discussed the different definitions of poverty and how it engages human rights.    The wide-ranging discussion touches on what a human rights-based approach to tackling poverty looks like; examines the effectiveness of anti-poverty strategies; explores the criminalisation of homelessness and how poverty interacts with the criminal justice system; and highlights the need to include people with lived experience of poverty in designing anti-poverty policies and strategies.    Join us for an interesting conversation that makes us rethink the way we understand poverty and learn more about effective strategies to tackle this global issue.   NIHRC’s work on anti-poverty strategy: The NIHRC submitted its response to the Department for Communities’ consultation on the Anti-Poverty Strategy 2025–2035, highlighting the importance of embedding a human rights-based approach to tackling poverty in Northern Ireland. Find out more here [https://nihrc.org/publication/detail/consultation-response-submission-to-the-department-for-communities-consultation-on-the-anti-poverty-strategy-2025-2035].   Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this program are those of the speakers and/or their organisations and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission.

Misinformation and Disinformation

Misinformation and disinformation is everywhere - from our news feeds to our social media timelines - but what does it really mean for our daily lives and our rights? In this episode, we sat down with Dr. Orna Young from FactCheckNI to discuss today's complex landscape of misinformation and disinformation, how these shape public opinion through the news and media and why it's a challenge for human rights worldwide. The wide-ranging discussion touches on the work of FactCheckNI [https://factcheckni.org/]; analyses misinformation in the news and social media; discusses the impact of misinformation and disinformation on human rights; and shares how people can be vigilant about identifying it and thinking critically in their day-to-day lives.  Join us for an insightful conversation that covers the challenges our human rights face in the digital age and that will make you rethink the way you scroll, share and think online. NIHRC’s work on misinformation and disinformation: The NIHRC published a Briefing Paper: Racial and Ethnic Minority Rights and Online Misinformation and Disinformation. Find out more and read the Briefing Paper here [https://nihrc.org/publication/detail/nihrc-briefing-paper-racial-and-ethnic-minority-rights-and-online-misinformation-and-disinformation]. Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this program are those of the speakers and/or their organisations and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission.

Climate change and young people

In this International Youth Day episode of the Shared Goals podcast, we speak with Sarah and Ronan, members of the NICCY Youth Panel, about their inspiring work to combat climate change.   From what first motivated them to become activists, to how their involvement with NICCY has empowered them to make a difference, Sarah and Ronan talk about the human rights impacts of climate change, the importance of education, and how they integrate the Sustainable Development Goals into their work.   They also highlight practical ways young people can get involved – whether it's taking action in local communities and schools or engaging with wider organisations and advocacy networks.   Tune in for an honest, hopeful, and energising conversation about youth leadership, climate justice, and how everyone has a role to play in building a better future!   Find out more about the NICCY Youth Panel through the following link. [https://www.niccy.org/children-and-young-people/youth-panel/ ] Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this program are those of the speakers and/or their organisations and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission.

Gender budgeting

This opening episode of the second season of our Shared Goals podcast coincides with International Women’s Day and features an interview with Aoife Mallon, Research and Engagement Associate at the University of Ulster. Focusing on the topic of gender budgeting, Aoife explains the concept including how it is being used in different countries and how it could be utilised in a Northern Irish context to promote gender equality. The podcast explores the challenges and advantages of using this approach to organise public finances, and how it could benefit human rights to adopt it in Northern Ireland. Aoife addresses how gender budgeting fits into a human rights framework, and tackles misconceptions and myths around the concept, highlighting how it can address structural inequalities and ultimately benefit all in society. Find out more about gender budgeting and the work of the ARK project at Ulster University: Gender Budgeting | ARK - Access Research Knowledge [https://www.ark.ac.uk/ARK/projects/Gender_Budgeting/] Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this program are those of the speakers and/or their organisations and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission.

Disability and human rights

James Martin MBE and Mencap talk disability and human rights on our Shared Goals podcast. This episode features an interview with Mencap NI ambassador, award-winning actor and barista James Martin MBE alongside Mencap NI’s Senior Marketing, Communications and Influencing Lead, Karen Gilgunn. It explores a wide range of topics around the theme of disability and human rights, including the power of sports, drama and music to help persons with disabilities fulfil their right to participate fully in society. James highlights his own journey with Mencap from young service user to award-winning actor and how he is now helping others in his role as an ambassador, while Karen outlines the steps being taken to make our communities more inclusive and concerns about the impact of funding cuts.