A ground-breaking new Professional Diploma Course in Human Rights and Equality has been launched today by the Chief Commissioner of the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission, Emily Logan.
The new course, developed in collaboration with the Institute of Public Administration (IPA) has already seen huge demand, with a first intake of over 50 students demonstrating how human rights and equality are now increasingly situated at the heart of the delivery of public services. The Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission have also been proud to support 18 bursaries offered through the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission to a mix of public body representatives and to those working in civil society organisations.
Among those undertaking the Professional Diploma are representatives from local authorities, government departments, the Courts Service, An Garda Siochána, the Irish Refugee Council, Our Lady’s Hospital Crumlin, Pavee Point Traveller and Roma Centre, and Threshold.
The launch this morning at the IPA, saw all the students enrolled in the new course gather for the first time for their year-long course.
Emily Logan, Chief Commissioner of the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission, stated:
“We are asking this first group of students to take the skills and the knowledge they learn through this Professional Diploma out of the lecture theatre and directly into their workplaces.
“Public sector bodies today have a duty to eliminate discrimination, promote equality of opportunity and treatment, and to protect human rights, this ground-breaking training is key in helping bring those duties to life across organisations.”
ENDS/
For further information, please contact:
Brian Dawson, IHREC Communications Manager,
01 8589601 / 087 0697095
Editor’s Note:
Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission (IHREC)
The Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission (IHREC) 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 recognized as such by the United Nations.