IHREC designate: statutory inquiry into Mother and Baby Homes timely and appropriate
10 June 2014
Press Release
The Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission (Designate) (IHREC) considers that a statutory inquiry into revelations concerning the operation of Mother and Baby Homes is both timely and appropriate.
Speaking on the issue, IHREC Acting Chairperson Betty Purcell stated: “It is essential that best practice be followed in designing a meaningful process and a reliable outcome to any inquiry into Mother and Baby Homes. For this to happen, we recommend that a human rights and equality framework is an essential component of an effective inquiry in order to adequately establish the facts. Further, the mechanism should be one based on statute, timely and capable of giving a voice to those whose rights have been compromised. IHREC stands ready to advise on the key components of the inquiry.”
From a human rights and equality perspective, key components of an effective investigative mechanism is the ability to source all information and documentation through powers of compellability based in statute in order to establish and properly test allegations of human rights abuses. The mechanism should also be capable of making concrete recommendations of remedies where violations are found. In the interests of addressing the rights of victims and the overarching requirement for the truth to emerge, the IHREC calls on all parties who hold records or can provide witness statements to give full cooperation to any inquiry.
Ms Purcell concluded: “The IHREC will be reviewing the State’s response to ensure compliance with human rights obligations ahead of the State’s examination before the UN Human Rights Committee in Geneva next month”.
ENDS/
For further information please contact Fidelma Joyce, IHRC Mob: 087 783 4939 or Brian Merriman, Equality Authority Mob: 087 960 8658
Notes to Editor
Under Irish law, the Tribunals of Inquiries (Evidence) Acts 1921-79 and the Commission of Investigations Act 2004 are two statutory mechanisms for investigations. Any inquiry should have powers equivalent to the 2004 Act’s powers of compellability.
In July 2014, Ireland will be examined on its Fourth Periodic Report to the Human Rights Committee under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.