IHREC says UNCRC report provides ‘to-do list’ for Government

The Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission (IHREC) has said the conclusions of a new UN report form a “clear ‘to do’ list for the State”.

The UN Committee on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) yesterday published its concluding observations on Ireland’s record under the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child.

The 19-page report urges the Government to take, as a matter of priority, all necessary measures to fully incorporate the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child into domestic law.

Emily Logan, IHREC chief commissioner, said: “The Committee’s analysis closely echoes that of the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission’s own assessment of Ireland’s record under the Convention, as well as echoing the wider thematic areas we have identified for action in our recently-launched Strategy Statement.

“These include the need for the state to adopt human-rights based budgetary and procurement processes; a wider and deeper state commitment to non-discrimination; and to commit to tackling in a more holistic way the challenges of poverty and social exclusion in our society.

“These Concluding observations form a clear ‘to do’ list for the State to bring its law, policy and practice in line with international standards on the human rights of children.

“The Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission will work over the coming years to advocate for the full adoption by the State of the Committee’s recommendations, with a view to bringing Ireland fully in compliance with its international obligations.”