UNCAT: Government welcomes acknowledgement of ‘progress made’

The Government has said it welcomes recognition from the UN Committee Against Torture (UNCAT) of progress made on key issues.

Minister David Stanton said of the committee’s findings: “I welcome the concluding observations of the UN expert committee which acknowledge the progress made and notes the many positive measures adopted by Ireland since the submission of Ireland’s second report.”

Mr Stanton, who led the Government’s delegation to Geneva last month, said the committee had acknowledged the adoption of 30 positive measures of progress by Ireland since 2011.

Ireland ratified the UN Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (UNCAT) in 2002.

However, it has not yet ratified the Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture (OPCAT), which it signed in 2007.

Mr Stanton acknowledged the committee’s principal subjects of concern and its recommendations, noting that the Government is already is making progress on many of the issues raised.

UNCAT has recommended action on immigration, healthcare, detention, violence against women, reproductive rights and historic abuse.

Mr Stanton said: “I thank the Committee for their positive engagement with Ireland and for their current observations and recommendations. We look forward to building on the progress made and to updating the Committee with further progress next year.”