Categories
Human Rights
Monitoring Human Rights
The ICCL plays a watchdog role by tracking the Government’s compliance with its obligations under human rights law and by ensuring that Ireland is held to account before international human rights bodies.
We regularly prepare legal analyses of proposed legislation or conduct original research on pressing issues to educate the public and decision-makers on gaps in human rights protection.
We also co-ordinate or contribute to NGO ‘shadow reports’ which are relied upon by human rights bodies to get an independent illustration of Ireland’s compliance with its human rights obligations.
In some instances, the ICCL makes presentations directly to the United Nations (UN) and Council of Europe (COE) human rights bodies in order to inform their final conclusions on Ireland. The ICCL’s most recent activities on this front took us to Geneva where we and our NGO partners briefed the UN on Ireland’s compliance with the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.
Some of our Current Special Projects and Campaigns:
Bringing Human Rights to Life
The ICCL works to improve the capacity of groups representing marginalised communities, in particular to support them to use human rights tools.
For example, the ICCL is working with Amnesty International (Irish Section) on a ‘shadow reporting’ kit to enhance the capacity of organisations to report to international treaty bodies.
Raising Awareness of the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR)
The European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) is the regional human rights treaty of the Council of Europe. Ireland is one of 46 countries which have signed up to the ECHR and it was recently given further effect in Irish law through the ECHR Act 2003. The ICCL promotes awareness of this Act through its policy and research work, by delivering training on human rights proofing and producing information material on the ECHR.
Calling for Robust Privacy Standards
The ICCL campaigns to safeguard the right to private life in Ireland in accordance with Article 8 (right to private and family life) of the European Convention on Human Rights. Current laws protect some aspects of privacy but neglect others. The ICCL is conducting ongoing research on the gaps present in Ireland’s privacy regime.
We are also actively calling for the introduction of better safeguards of privacy in Ireland in the areas of data protection, surveillance and biometric identity. Most recently the ICCL campaigned at the 2008 Electric Picnic in Stradbally Co Laois, collecting over 3000 signatures for an open letter to Minister for Justice, calling for the introduction of robust laws for the protection of our privacy.
Experts call time on compulsory telecoms data retention
- News Item
- June 28, 2010
Gaza Tops the Bill at Rights Film Awards
- Article
- June 18, 2010
Congratulations to Dearbhla Glynn, who was awarded the Grand Prize for her film Gaza: Post Operation Cast Lead at a star-studded Gala in Dublin’s Light House Cinema yesterday evening (17 June 2010). For more pictures click HERE.
Gaza Tops the Bill at Rights Film Awards
- News Item
- June 18, 2010
Gaza Centre-Stage at Rights Film Awards
- News Item
- June 2, 2010
Stars Launch Rights Films
- News Item
- May 28, 2010
General information
- Publication
- May 10, 2010
Are there laws that protect my privacy?
The Constitution protects your right to privacy. You also have the right to a private life under the European Convention on Human Rights.
The Data Protection Acts 1988-2003 protect your personal data. Personal data is any information that can identify you or that can be used with other written information or images to identify you.
Other areas of law that cover copyright and nuisance can also protect your privacy.
What should I do if I think that someone has invaded my privacy?
You can sue the person for compensation. However, this type of case is often difficult and free legal aid is usually not available. You should talk this through with a solicitor.
Often, an invasion of privacy can be a data protection issue. If this is the case, the Office of the Data Protection Commissioner may be able to help you. The Data Protection Commissioner does not charge you for help. There is more information about data protection in the next section.
Immigration
- Publication
- May 5, 2010
Immigrant Council of Ireland
The Immigrant Council is a non-governmental organisation that promotes the rights of migrants through information, legal advice, advocacy, lobbying, research and training. The Council is also an independent law centre.
2 St Andrew Street
Dublin 2
Tel: (admin) 01 674 0202
Email: admin@immigrantcouncil.ie
www.immigrantcouncil.ie
Department of Justice Equality and Law Reform
The Asylum, Immigration and Citizenship Division deals with immigration matters on behalf of the government.
Asylum, Immigration and Citizenship Division
13-14 Burgh Quay
Dublin 2
Tel: 01 616 7700
LoCall: 1890 551 500
www.justice.ie
Integrating Ireland
This non-governmental organisation is a network of community and voluntary groups that works to achieve equality and full integration in Irish society of asylum seekers, refugees and immigrants.
18 Dame Street
Dublin 2
Tel: 01 645 3070
Government
- Publication
- May 5, 2010
Department of Justice and Law Reform
This government department deals with a broad range of issues such as criminal and civil law reform, equality, property issues, asylum and immigration.
Pinebrook House
71-74 Harcourt Street
Dublin 2
Montague Court
Montague Street
Dublin 2
Tel: 01 602 8202
LoCall: 1890 221 227
Email: info@justice.ie
www.justice.ie
Department of Education and Skills
This government department oversees the education system in Ireland.
Marlborough Street
Dublin1
Tel: 01 889 6400
www.education.ie
Department of Foreign Affairs
This government department deals with diplomatic issues and Ireland’s interests abroad.
69-71 St. Stephen’s Green
Dublin 2
Tel: 01 478 0822
LoCall: 1890 426 700
www.dfa.ie
Department of Social Protection
This government department is responsible for providing social insurance and social assistance schemes, for example Child Benefit, Unemployment Benefit and the State pension.
Áras Mhic Dhiarmada
Store Street
Dublin 1
Tel: 01 704 3000
www.welfare.ie
Client Identity Services
Social Welfare Services
Shannon Lodge
Carrick-on-Shannon
Co. Leitrim
Tel: 1890 927 999
Email: cis@welfare.ie
Citizens Information Board
This national agency gives information and advice on social services and money matters. It also provides advocacy services.
Information is available through Citizens Information Services in person, by phone or on the website.
There are 268 Citizens Information Services. Call the telephone helpline or visit the website to find the one closest to you.
LoCall: 1890 777 121
www.citizensinformation.ie
Other government departments
To get information about other government departments, contact Citizens Information Services.
You can also find a list of all government departments and agencies on www.gov.ie.
Criminal justice
- Publication
- May 5, 2010
An Garda Síochána
The Irish police service
Garda Headquarters
Phoenix Park
Dublin 7
Tel: 01 666 0000
Garda Confidential Line: 1800 666 111
Emergencies: 999
www.garda.ie
Garda Vetting Unit
Racecourse Road
Thurles
Co. Tipperary
Tel: 050 427 300
Courts Service of Ireland
The Courts Service manages the courts, including court facilities, maintains court buildings, provides support services for judges and gives information on the court system to the public.
15-24 Phoenix Street North
Smithfield
Dublin 7
Tel: 01 888 6000
www.courtservice.ie
Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission
The Commission deals with complaints made by the public about the conduct of Gardaí. If you want to make a complaint against a Garda, you should contact the Commission.
150 Abbey Street Upper
Dublin 1
Tel: 01 871 6727
LoCall: 1890 600 800
Email: info@gsoc.ie
www.gsoc.ie
Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP)
The DPP is in charge of prosecutions on behalf of the State and the people of Ireland.
14-16 Merrion Street
Dublin 2
Tel: 01 678 9222
www.dpp.ie
General information
- Publication
- April 29, 2010
Are there laws that protect my privacy?
The Constitution protects your right to privacy. You also have the right to a private life under the European Convention on Human Rights.
The Data Protection Acts 1988-2003 protect your personal data. Personal data is any information that can identify you or that can be used with other written information or images to identify you.
Other areas of law that cover copyright and nuisance can also protect your privacy.
What should I do if I think that someone has invaded my privacy?
You can sue the person for compensation. However, this type of case is often difficult and free legal aid is usually not available. You should talk this through with a solicitor.
Often, an invasion of privacy can be a data protection issue. If this is the case, the Office of the Data Protection Commissioner may be able to help you. The Data Protection Commissioner does not charge you for help. There is more information about data protection in the next section.
