Statement from the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission
The Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission (‘the Commission’) welcomes the open process for eight upcoming appointments to the Commission, now underway through the Public Appointments Service (PAS).
In August, the Commission wrote to the Minister for Justice and Equality to emphasise that upcoming appointments to the Commission should be carried out in line with international standards for an open and transparent selection and appointment process, and in line with the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission Act 2014.
The open transparent nature of this PAS process underlines the institutional independence of the Commission as Ireland’s independent national human rights and equality institution and is in line with international and regional recommendations for the appointment of such positions.
The Commission holds the highest possible ‘A’ status accreditation under the United Nations mechanism of accreditation for such institutions – the Paris Principles, underlining its institutional independence, domestic and international standing. The Commission currently holds the Chair of the European Network of National Human Rights Institutions (ENNHRI) representing national human rights institutions from across 46 out of 47 Council of Europe Member States (Italy does not have such a body).
As set out under the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission Act 2014 – once the PAS process is completed, the Commission Members (designate) must be approved through resolution of both Houses of the Oireachtas. Once this stage is complete, the formal appointments can then be made by President Michael D Higgins.
There was a large interest in the most recent appointment process from highly qualified candidates and a highly competitive open selection process, reflecting the high-level of interest that exists in the Commission. The Commission hopes to see that again.
ENDS/
For further information, please contact:
Karen Joynt, Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission
01 8589601 / 085 1746883
Visit our website www.ihrec.ie or follow us on twitter @_IHREC
Note to Editor
The open competition for Commission Members of the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission is being run entirely by the Public Appointment Service (PAS) and all queries should be directed to PAS.
The UN Paris Principles constitute a set of internationally recognised standards to assess the independence and effectiveness of national human rights institutions. Included in these standards, is an inclusive and transparent selection and appointment process.
The ECRI General Policy Recommendation No. 2 states that persons holding leadership positions in equality bodies should be selected and appointed by transparent, competency-based and participatory procedures.
The Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission
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. The Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission Act 2014, Article 12 sets out the Membership of Commission, while Article 13 sets out Appointment of members of Commission.