Imperative that government pursue an inclusive and transparent selection process for the appointment of members of the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission
The Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission (‘the Commission’) has set out to the Minister for Justice and Equality its determination that upcoming appointments to the Commission should be carried out in line with international standards for an inclusive and transparent selection and appointment process, and in line with the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission Act 2014.
In its letter of August 1st to Minister, the Commission is of the view that it is imperative that the government pursue an inclusive and transparent selection and appointment process for the appointment of members as outlined in the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission Act 2014, and in compliance with international best practice under the UN Paris Principles and the ECRI General Policy Recommendation No. 2.
The Commission notes that there was a large interest in the most recent appointment process from highly qualified candidates and a highly competitive selection process, reflecting the high-level of interest that exists in the Commission.
The Commission is Ireland’s independent national human rights and equality institution. It holds the highest possible ‘A’ status accreditation under the UN Paris Principles underlining the Commission’s institutional independence, and domestic and international standing.
The authority of the Minister lies in recommending Commissioners for appointment to Government and only following the passing of a resolution of each House of the Oireachtas recommending an appointment, can the appointments be made by President Michael D. Higgins.
ENDS/
For further information, please contact:
Brian Dawson, IHREC Communications Manager,
01 8589601 / 087 0697095
Visit our website www.ihrec.ie or follow us on twitter @_IHREC
Note to Editor
The full text of the letter sent by the Commission to the Minister for Justice and Equality is available at the following link:
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. 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.