Human Rights & Access to Justice: Bridging the Gap

We are excited to present Human Rights & Access to Justice: Bridging the Gap, a thought-provoking event exploring some of the most significant legal and human rights issues affecting access to justice across Northern Ireland and beyond.

Bringing together leading legal practitioners, campaigners and experts, this event will examine the challenges individuals and communities face when seeking accountability, transparency and redress. Through a series of panel discussions, speakers will reflect on the lessons emerging from landmark cases, public inquiries and ongoing campaigns that continue to shape the human rights landscape.

Topics for discussion will include:

• The Omagh Bomb Inquiry, including the experience of bereaved families and survivors and their long fight for justice and accountability.
• The Lough Neagh litigation, which examines the environmental and public health concerns surrounding the lough, the source of approximately 50% of Northern Ireland's drinking water.
• Ladies with Letters, and its impact on more than 17,500 women in Northern Ireland who received inaccurate information from their Healthcare Trust.
• The COVID-19 Inquiry, including the experiences of bereaved families who lost loved ones during the pandemic.
• We will also be discussing recent legislative developments including the landmark Hillsborough Law.

Attendees will hear from respected voices in the human rights sector, including Brenda Campbell KC, Monica McWilliams, Elkan Abrahamson and Marc Willers KC, while also having the opportunity to engage in audience questions and discussion.

The event will take place at The Merchant Hotel, Belfast, on Wednesday 16 September 2026, and will conclude with a networking reception.

Running Order:
4.30 pm – Networking and nibbles
5.00 pm – Welcome from Enda McGarrity, Director and Head of Human Rights at P.A. Duffy & Co Solicitors
5.15 pm – Panel discussion with Brenda Campbell KC, Monica McWilliams and Marc Willers KC
6.00 pm – Questions for the panel
6.15 pm - Discussion of Hillsborough Law with Elkan Abrahamson and Enda McGarrity
6.45 pm – Questions for the panel
7.00 pm – Event ends, guests are welcome to network
This running order is subject to change.