Primacy of Human Rights in the Future of Policing in Ireland Welcomed by Human Rights and Equality Commission

The recommendations of the Commission on the Future of Policing in Ireland present an opportunity for An Garda Síochána, together with Commissioner Drew Harris, to put human rights and equality at the core of policing in Ireland. The Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission (IHREC) welcomes the setting out as a first principle that human rights are the foundation and purpose of policing. This is at the heart of the Public Sector Equality and Human Rights Duty set out in legislation. IHREC specifically welcomes the comprehensive approach to human rights, which would see the creation within An Garda Síochána of a dedicated high-level human rights unit as well as the appointment of an independent human rights adviser to the proposed new Policing and Community Safety Oversight Commission. IHREC also welcomes the specific call for An Garda Síochána itself to reflect the diversity of Irish society. The proposal that the Garda Code of Ethics include a positive obligation to act in a manner consistent with human rights is also welcomed. These proposals have the potential to provide the framework within which human rights and equality can be firmly embedded in the ethos and operations of An Garda Síochána at all levels. Achieving this is the fundamental aim of the Public Sector Equality and Human Rights Duty. The Commission stands ready to work with An Garda Síochána towards this goal, as recommended in the report. Emily Logan, Chief Commissioner of the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission stated:

“Public regard for, and trust in, An Garda Síochána remains high, but has been shaken. A significant opportunity now exists for an Garda Síochána, under new leadership, to truly embed human rights and equality standards in its DNA. This can be spearheaded by the proposed new Human Rights Unit and the independent human rights advisor, but all ranks and recruits must take equal share in its delivery.

“To meet Ireland’s community policing needs both today and tomorrow, the work of An Garda Síochána must be fundamentally focused on ensuring that the human rights and equality of people in Ireland are protected and respected.  Without this focus, maintaining current levels of public trust cannot be taken for granted.” 

ENDS/ For further information, please contact: Brian Dawson, IHREC Communications Manager, 01 8589601 / 087 0697095 bdawson@ihrec.ie Follow us on twitter @_IHREC

Notes to editor:

Submission by the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission In February, the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission, as Ireland’s National Human Rights and Equality body, was invited to make its submission by the Commission on the Future of Policing in Ireland. It made 15 recommendations relating to human rights and equality policy, including victims’ rights; diversity in policing; human rights and equality training; racial profiling; recording and investigation of domestic crime and hate crime; the right to a lawyer during questioning; and the need to make Garda Stations subject to unannounced inspection visits under the Optional Protocol to the UN Convention Against Torture (OPCAT). The Commission also, through its 2017 grant programme, co-funded the ICCL report published last week focused on building a human rights-based approach to policing in Ireland. The full text of the submission and recommendations made by the Commission to the Commission on the Future of Policing is available at the following link: Submission to the Commission on the Future of Policing

The Public Sector Equality and Human Rights Duty

The Public Sector Equality and Human Rights Duty set out in the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission Act, places a positive duty on public sector bodies to have regard to the need to eliminate discrimination, promote equality and protect human rights in their daily work.

Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission

The Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission is an independent public body, appointed by the President and directly accountable to the Oireachtas. The Commission has a statutory remit set out under the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission Act 2014 to protect and promote human rights and equality in Ireland, and build a culture of respect for human rights, equality and intercultural understanding in the State. 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.