Ahead of Ibrahim Halawa’s next scheduled hearing date of the 13th December, a date which also marks Mr. Halawa’s birthday, the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission (“The Commission”) has expressed its deep continuing concern in relation to his situation and detention.
Mr. Halawa has now been detained without trial in Egypt since August 2013, and the Commission is clear that the circumstances of Ibrahim’s arrest and ongoing detention give rise to a number of serious human rights issues, including in relation to the circumstances of his arrest and detention as a minor, his continuing lack of access and right to a fair trial, and his right to freedom from torture and inhuman and degrading treatment.
Ahead of an expected cross-party Oireachtas delegation to Egypt, the Commission has reiterated its call on the Government to continue to press with urgency at the highest level for Ibrahim Halawa’s human rights under international law to be upheld.
ENDS/
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Notes to editor:
The Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission has taken several initiatives within its mandate as a national human rights institution.
Ibrahim’s case has been discussed at length by members of the Commission on a number of occasions, and the Chief Commissioner Emily Logan has met with Charlie Flanagan T.D., Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, and his officials to express the Commission’s concern.
The Commission has made contact with the President of the Egyptian National Council for Human Rights, which is the national human rights institution under Egyptian law. In addition, Commission officials have met with Ibrahim’s sister, Somaia.
Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission
The Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission was set up on 1 November 2014 as an independent public body to protect and promote human rights and equality in Ireland and build a culture of respect for human rights, equality and intercultural understanding across Irish society.
The Irish Human Rights and Equality Act 2014 sets out the functions of the Commission, i.e. to ensure that:
- there is respect for, and protection of, everyone’s human rights;
- there is respect for the dignity and worth of each person;
- a person’s ability to achieve their potential is not limited by prejudice, discrimination, or neglect;
- everyone has a fair and equal opportunity to take part in the economic, political, social or cultural life of the State; and
- people respect each other, respect equality and human rights, and understand the value of diversity within society
The Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission is Ireland’s national human rights institution and is recognised as such by the United Nations. The Commission is also Ireland’s national equality body for the purpose of a range of EU anti-discrimination measures.