The Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission Designate (IHREC designate) welcomed the robust and thorough examination by the UN Human Rights Committee of Ireland’s record on civil and political rights as set out in the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. Many of the issues highlighted were concerns also raised by the IHREC Designate in its report to the Committee.
David Joyce BL, Acting Chair of the IHREC Designate said “The UN Human Rights Committee highlighted the lack of accountability on the part of the State for societal and institutional practices that have led to abuse and mistreatment, including in Magdalen Laundries, Mother and Baby homes and in the practice of symphysiotomy. In all of these instances the rights of women and children have not been fully vindicated and the State has failed to provide effective remedies that comply with the State’s human rights obligations. The IHREC considers that investigations into such abuses and mistreatment must be carried out by an independent statutory body, and ensure the participation of survivors in truth and fact finding. The IHREC considers that the state needs to put in place mechanisms to ensure such abuses cannot reoccur, in accordance with its obligation to ensure non-repetition of human rights violations.”
David Joyce BL said “the UN Human Rights Committee again asked the State to take steps to recognise Traveller ethnicity. The Committee expressed strong views on the continuing delay in recognition of Traveller ethnicity despite recommendations from several UN Treaty Bodies. IHREC shares this concern and calls on the State to act without further delays.”
On the issue of asylum, David Joyce BL said, “The IHREC welcomes the State’s commitment to introduce legislation on Ireland’s protection system for refugees and asylum seekers and a single protection procedure which IHREC has called for. However we continue to call for reform of the direct provision system in particular long stays in direct provision centres which are having a detrimental effect on the health and well-being of families and children living in these centres.”
The IHREC welcomed the State’s constructive dialogue and engagement with civil society, the beginnings of improvements in relation to prison conditions and the assisted decision-making capacity bill, which were noted by the UN Human Rights Committee.
The IHREC’s concerns in relation to the limited reforms on abortion law to date were reflected in the Committee’s comments and questions to the Irish Government, particularly in situations of fatal foetal abnormality, rape, and risks to health.
David Joyce BL concluded: “We welcome the commitment of the Minister for Justice and Equality to continue strengthening the relationship between IHREC and the Oireachtas and looks forward to seeing how this will develop.”
ENDS/
For further information please contact, Fidelma Joyce, IHRC, Mob: 087 783 4939