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Justice
Promoting Justice
Some of our Current Special Projects and Campaigns:
Criminal Justice
The ICCL believes that a fair and just criminal justice system should protect the human rights of defendants and victims alike. The ICCL monitors government policy on an ongoing basis to ensure that fair trial rights are upheld. Our most recent work in this area was the publication of Taking Liberties (June 2008); a report critiquing the notion of ‘Balance’ within the criminal justice system. The ICCL also seeks to secure effective recognition of and protection for the human rights of crime victims and has highlighted these rights in its Charter of Rights for Victims of Crime.
Garda Reform
The ICCL has long campaigned for an independent police complaints mechanism and to ensure that individuals are not subject to arbitrary and unjust use of police powers. Following the disbandment of the Garda Complaints Board and the establishment of the independent Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission (GSOC), the ICCL continues to call for adequate support and funding to ensure the GSOC can fulfil its remit to operate independently. The ICCL has also been involved in delivering human rights training to members of the Gardaí and it currently offers strategic human rights advice to the Garda Commissioner through membership of an expert panel.
Judiciary
The judiciary plays a central role in the legal system in upholding human rights standards. Through its policy, research (Justice Matters Part 1 & Part 2) and campaign work the ICCL is seeking improvements in judicial studies to ensure that judges are more aware of their human rights obligations and of diversity issues, together with a system of judicial accountability for members of the public.
Shatter faces calls to “champion” victims’ rights
- Article
- April 12, 2012
Minister for Justice, Equality and Defence, Mr Alan Shatter TD faced calls to be a “true champion” for victims’ rights at a high-level conference hosted by the Irish Council for Civil Liberties (ICCL) in Dublin Castle today (Thursday, 12 April 2012).
The Minister gave the opening address at the event, ‘The EU Directive on Victims’ Rights: Opportunities and Challenges for Ireland’ which brought victims’ groups from across Ireland together with Europe’s top victims’ rights experts.
The ICCL conference was held in parallel to discussions in Brussels this week on a proposed new EU Directive to establish minimum legal standards on the rights, support and protection of the human rights of victims of crime.
Introducing the Minister, ICCL Director Mr Mark Kelly said:
“Alan Shatter has a strong track record of supporting the human rights of the victims of crime during his time in opposition, including by bringing forward two private members bills on victims’ rights. The Irish Council for Civil Liberties also welcomes his recent Ministerial announcement that Ireland will “opt in” to the new EU Directive on Victims’ Rights.”
“Some of the Minister’s predecessors have claimed that victims’ rights can only be advanced by watering down fair trial protections, a claim which victims’ organisations know to be untrue. By contrast, if Ireland plays a full part in discussions on the new EU Directive on Victims’ Rights and commits to fully translate the Directive into Irish law and practice, Minister Shatter will have proved that he is a true champion of the human rights of crime victims” Mr Kelly concluded.
ENDS
Coming soon: Major European Conference on Victims' Rights
- Article
- March 23, 2012
EU Directive on Victims’ Rights: Opportunities and Challenges for Ireland
9.30am - 2.30pm, Thursday 12 April 2012
Dublin Castle Conference Centre
How will the upcoming draft EU Directive on the rights of victims of crime change the position of the victim within Irish law, policy and practice?
On 12 April 2012, the Irish Council for Civil Liberties (ICCL) will host a major European conference on victims’ rights. This event will be of interest to victims of crime, victim support organisations, legislators, academics, media and politicians.
The ICCL is delighted to announce that
Minister for Justice, Equality and Defence, Alan Shatter TD will open the conference.
Leading experts from Europe and Ireland will address this one day conference dedicated to the advancement of victims’ rights from a human rights perspective.
Demand for places is expected to be high and you are invited to pre-register for the event.
To secure a place, please e-mail Sinéad Skelly at sinead.skelly@iccl.ie
or telephone 01 799 4504.
If you have any special requirements (e.g. sign language interpreter), please mention this in your RSVP and we would be happy to accommodate you.
Rights Council Criticises Shatter’s “Lax” Home Defence Bill
- News Item
- January 12, 2012
NO Campaign welcomes “clear rejection” of “Abbeylara” amendment
- Article
- October 29, 2011
Irish Council for Civil Liberties 'NO to the 30th Amendment campaign'
Press release For immediate release
Saturday, 29 October 2011
www.kangaroocourts.net
The campaign for a NO vote in the 30th amendment to the Constitution (Oireachtas Inquiries) has welcomed the people’s clear rejection of the Government’s referendum proposals.
When the final result of 53.3% NO to 46.7% YES is compared to polls conducted at the outset of the NO campaign led by the Irish Council for Civil Liberties (ICCL), this represents a swing from YES to NO votes of some 31.8 % (see note to editor for details of this calculation).
ICCL and NO Campaign Director Mr Mark Kelly said:
“This result confirms that a clear majority of the people were not convinced that the Government’s proposals struck the right balance between the public interest and the rights of persons called before Oireachtas Committees.”
"We look forward to participating fully in consultations on the shape of a future Constitutional amendment that will strengthen the powers of Oireachtas Committees, while protecting the human rights of those who appear before them” Mr Kelly concluded.
Government’s Kangaroo Court Proposals “Delete Rule of Law” says NO campagn
- News Item
- October 26, 2011
Ministers Should Refrain from Attacks on Good Name of Opponents says NO Campaign
- News Item
- October 25, 2011
Heavyweight Support Swings behind NO Campaign
- News Item
- October 24, 2011
Polls Confirm 14% Fall in Support for Oireachtas Referendum
- News Item
- October 23, 2011
Referendum NO Campaign Urges Voters to Reject “Kangaroo Courts”
- News Item
- October 21, 2011
ICCL Association Launches NO Campaign on Oireachtas Inquiry Referendum - www.kangaroocourts.net
- Article
- October 20, 2011
Our Kangaroo campaigners launch the 'No to the 30th Amendment' referendum mobile Billboards outside Leinster House on 24 October 2011. Billboards will be covering more than 1200 miles in the coming days in Dublin, Galway, Limerick and Cork.
Mary O'Rourke with campaign supporters at the launch on 21 October 2011 of the ICCL's 'No to the 30th Amendment' campaign.
Next Thursday, 27 October 2011, the people will be asked to vote on the 30th Amendment to the Constitution, which will grant more power to Oireachtas Committees.
The Irish Council for Civil Liberties Association believes that these proposals are rushed and ill-considered, and do not strike the right balance between the public interest and individual rights.
Tomorrow, 21 October 2011, together with a number of high profile academics and political figures the ICCL Association will launch the 'NO' campaign against the 30th amendment to the Constitution.
When?
Date: Friday, 21st October 2011
Time: 12.30pm -2.30pm
Where?
Grafton Suite 1, The Westbury Hotel, Grafton Street, Dublin 2
Who?
Speakers will include:
• Mark Kelly, Director of the Irish Council for Civil Liberties
• Catherine Murphy TD
• Senator Ronán Mullen
• Mary O’Rourke, former TD, Senator and Oireachtas Committee Chair
• Professor Gerry Whyte, Trinity College Dublin, Constitutional Law expert
• Oisín Quinn SC
• Donncha O’Connell, National University of Ireland Galway
More details on: http://www.facebook.com/IrishCouncilforCivilLiberties
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