Sign in. It’s quick, free and it’s up to you.
An account is an optional way to support the work we do. Find out more.
Francesco Rachello via Creative Commons
The Daily PollPoll: Does Ireland's human rights record have 'serious gaps'?
The UN is reviewing Ireland’s human rights record today – with in-cell sanitation, abortion and immigration proving to be hot topics. Tell us, do you think Ireland’s record has ‘serious gaps’ that need to be addressed?
THE JUSTICE MINISTER Alan Shatter is today being questioned over Ireland’s human rights record by the United Nations in Geneva.
The Irish Human Rights Commission has insisted that improvements are necessary in Ireland’s legislation on various issues – ranging from the rights of Travellers, migrants, asylum seekers, women, children, people with disabilities, people in poverty and prisoners. The IHRC says that it has called on the government to make commitments in 15 specific areas, but none of these have been forthcoming.
The Irish State has also been called upon repeatedly to clarify its position on the issue of abortion.
A UN report has accused Ireland of often failing to submit reports to UN human rights bodies within specified timeframes, and more than 100 organisations have called on the State to fully implement international human rights standards.
Tell us, do you believe – as the IHRC does – that Ireland’s human rights record, as it stands today, has ‘serious gaps’ that need to be addressed?
Poll Results:
Yes, in many areas (522)
A few areas need to be tightened up (282)
No, Ireland's record is satisfactory (227)
I don't know (53)
Read: In-cell sanitation, abortion and immigration discussed at UN human rights review>
have your say