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:

1. The Omagh Bomb Inquiry
2. The Lough Neagh Inquiry and the environmental and public health issues surrounding Northern Ireland's largest freshwater lough
3. Ladies with Letters and the impact on more than 17,500 women who received inaccurate healthcare information
4. The COVID-19 Inquiry, including the experiences of families bereaved during the pandemic

Attendees will hear from respected voices in the human rights sector, including Elkan Abrahamson and Mark 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 OrderUnderline
4:30pm – Guest Arrival & Registration
5:00pm – Welcome Address, Enda McGarrity, P.A. Duffy & Co Solicitors
5:30pm – Panel Discussion One
6:00pm – Client Video Presentation - Stories of individuals and families sharing their experiences of accessing justice in Northern Ireland
6:10pm – Guest Speaker
6:20pm – Panel Discussion Two
6:45pm – Audience Q&A Including questions submitted in advance
7:00pm – Event Close & Networking Reception
This running order is subject to change.