Equality for All - Annual Conference 

23 October 2007, Hilton Hotel, Belfast
Marking the European Year of Equal Opportunities for All, the theme of this year’s conference was “Equality for All – A Focus on Rights and Representation”. The Conference was attended by around 200 delegates.

Chief Commissioner, Bob Collins, addressed participants on Challenging Inequality and Making Equality a Reality for All. Martin McGuinness MP MLA, expressed the Executive’s commitment to promoting equality of opportunity and equality of outcomes. Gay Moon talked about Multiple Discrimination and Colm O’Cinneide discussed the role of Positive Action and the Positive Duties in increasing participation of under-represented groups.

A number of stakeholders shared their experiences of seeking to achieve equality. The Northern Ireland Court Service discussed their Employment Equality Plans; the Communication Workers’ Union outlined the work of the trade union in promoting equality awareness among its members; and Carers NI informed delegates of their use, both positive and negative, of Section 75. A member of Coso’s (Coalition on Sexual Orientation) Management Board talked about the demands and rewards of voluntary work. Finally, the parents of a disabled child told delegates about their success in a County Court case against a shop which refused them entry because of their child’s modified buggy, and on the challenges to disabled children and their families in pursuing equality.

The day concluded with a lively panel discussion.

Full Conference Report