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Press Release

Ireland Secures Chair of Forty-Four Member Human Rights Network

The Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission (“the Commission”) will today take on the Chair of the European Network of National Human Rights Institutions (ENNHRI) representing forty-four national human rights bodies across Council of Europe Member States. Chief Commissioner Emily Logan, representing the Commission, will take office today after being elected by ENNHRI members from across the continent in a ballot held in Athens last October. Chief Commissioner Emily Logan will, on behalf of the Commission, chair an incoming board made up of five other national institutions from Norway, Greece, Poland, Albania and Croatia. As incoming Chair, Emily Logan will take the place of Lora Vidović, the Ombudswoman of Croatia, who will continue to serve on as an ENNHRI Board member. National Human Rights Institutions (NHRIs) are a key element of a strong and effective national and global human rights system. The Brussels based European Network of National Human Rights Institutions brings together forty-four National Human Rights Institutions (NHRI’s) from across wider Europe. ENNHRI’s goal is to enhance the promotion and protection of human rights across the wider European region. Speaking from the ENNHRI General Assembly in Geneva where her appointment was announced, Chief Commissioner Emily Logan stated:
“It is a privilege to take on the Chair of ENNHRI at a time of great challenge for human rights in Europe, where previously-held norms and standards are being undermined and challenged. “Independent national human rights institutions (NHRIs) are required here in Ireland and across Europe to drive proactive change, to continuously foster a culture of human rights, and to ensure that we can robustly respond to protect human rights where they are under direct threat. “Through this role, the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission can bring our experience and independence as Ireland’s national human rights institution to support and bolster European leadership on human rights.”
ENDS/ For further information, please contact: Brian Dawson, IHREC Communications Manager, 01 8589601 / 087 0697095 bdawson@ihrec.ie Follow us on twitter @_IHREC

The 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.

European Network of National Human Rights Institutions

ENNHRI, the European Network of National Human Rights Institutions, brings together 44 NHRIs across wider Europe. ENNHRI’s goal is to enhance the promotion and protection of human rights across the European region. It carries this out through assisting in the establishment and accreditation of NHRIs; coordinating exchange of information and best practice between members; facilitating capacity building and training; engaging with regional mechanisms; and intervening on legal and policy developments at a European level.