Sinéad Gibney

Following a detailed review of its work, achievements, institutional independence and processes, the Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions (GANHRI) confirmed it is to re-accredit the Commission as an “A” status national human rights institution.

The GANHRI sub-committee on accreditation commended “the efforts of the IHREC to promote and protect human rights in the Republic of Ireland and encouraging the institution to continue these efforts”.

Only those awarded an “A” status are fully compliant with the Paris Principles and, as a result, are accorded voting, speaking and seating rights at human rights treaty bodies or other UN organs.

Sinéad Gibney, chief commissioner of the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commissioner, said: “This accreditation re-affirms the status of the Commission as an independent body which uses our mandate, legal powers and voice 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.

“Accreditation also sustains the Commission’s role amongst the international network of human rights international bodies working on promoting and protecting rights globally.”