A new Human Rights Guide is “an important milestone on the path to Garda reform”, according to the ICCL’s Director Mark Kelly.
The “Short Guide to the European Convention on Human Rights Act 2003” has been produced by An Garda Síochána in cooperation with the Irish Council for Civil Liberties (ICCL). A copy will be personally issued to every serving member of the Garda and Garda Reserve.
The Guide outlines the State’s obligations under the European Convention on Human Rights and directly relates those principles to the operational activities of the Gardaí.
“This Guide gives crystal clear information about the relevance of human rights considerations to police work”, said Mr Kelly. “The ICCL is very pleased that its constructive engagement with An Garda will place human rights in the pocket of every Garda in the country”, he concluded.
The Guide will be formally launched by Garda Commissioner Mr. Noel Conroy at a Graduation Ceremony at the Garda College, Templemore, today (Thursday, 26 April 2007).
Note to editors:
The European Convention on Human Rights Act 2003, which came into force on 31 December 2003, provides that “every organ of the State shall perform its functions in a manner compatible with the State’s obligations under the Convention provisions.”
The relevant provisions of the European Convention for the Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms (including additional articles – known as “Protocols” – that apply to Ireland) are set out in Schedules 1 to 5 of the 2003 Act.
An Garda Síochána is an “organ of the State” for the purposes of the 2003 Act and this new guide outlines the key principles and the content of the State’s obligations under the European Convention on Human Rights insofar as they relate to the operational activities of the Gardaí.