THE Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission has had a near complete turnover of membership at a time when it takes on a new Brexit role.
Just months before the transition period is due to end, the Northern Ireland Office (NIO) has replaced five of the six commissioners after their three-year terms expired.
NIHRC has an oversight role on rights issues as part of the Irish protocol in the UK's withdrawal agreement on leaving the European Union.
Under the Irish protocol, a special committee overseeing its implementation will consider matters brought to its attention by Ireland's northern and southern human rights commissions.
The new commissioners are Helen Henderson, managing director of peace and reconciliation centre St Columb's Park House; Jonathan Kearney, a consultant with a focus on policing and human rights; David Lavery, chief executive of the Law Society of Northern Ireland; Maura Muldoon, a retired public sector worker who has worked in the PSNI; and Stephen White, a former Assistant Chief Constable.
Eddie Rooney, former chief executive of the Public Health Agency, is the only commissioner reappointed from the previous term.
NIHRC chief commissioner Les Allamby, who remains in post until his term ends in September 2021, welcomed the appointments.
"The new commissioners join us at a time when the Covid -19 pandemic is affecting every aspect of our lives and the UK is about to leave the European Union," he said.
"Securing the protection and promotion of human rights in Northern Ireland has never been more important and the scrutiny role the commission plays during this time is vital."
The changes were announced on Tuesday by the NIO.
Secretary of state Brandon Lewis said he was "delighted to make these appointments".
He said NIHRC plays an "important role in keeping under review the adequacy and effectiveness in protecting human rights".
NIO said all stages of the appointments process, which is regulated by the Office of the Commissioner for Public Appointment, were overseen by an independent panel member.
The British government department refused to respond to any additional questions surrounding the new appointments.
Earlier this year it was reported that NIHRC was at odds with the British government over its Troubles legacy plans.
Only a small number of Troubles killings would receive full investigations under the approach announced in March.
The Guardian reported that Mr Allamby had raised concerns in a letter to the shadow Secretary of State Louise Haigh.
He referred to "deep initial concerns" about how the plans would satisfy European human rights law on investigating deaths caused by the state, describing it as "puzzling and troublesome".
The government has previously defended its plans, saying that any case with a realistic prospect of conviction would be pursued.
