29 December 2016
The Irish Council for Civil Liberties (ICCL) today (29 December 2016) welcomed the publication of the Criminal Justice (Victims of Crime) Bill. ICCL has campaigned consistently for the implementation into Irish law of the EU’s Victim Directive, which will be effected by this legislation. The Bill is also aimed at ensuring that Irish law in relation to victims’ human rights is brought into compliance with the requirements of the European Convention on Human Rights.
Speaking today, ICCL Executive Director, Liam Herrick said:
“The publication of this Bill marks a very welcome and significant step in achieving appropriate protection and respect for victims’ human rights in Irish law. The Bill as published addresses the principal requirements of the EU Victims Rights Directive – and ICCL welcomes the approach taken in the Bill. We now hope that there will be a comprehensive and inclusive process of consultation with all stakeholders to ensure that many of the complex issues addressed in the Bill can be carefully considered, including issues of balancing the rights of victims, accused persons and convicted persons.”
ICCL is a member of the Victims Rights Alliance, which also welcomed the publication of the Bill.
ICCL is also leading an EU funded project titled ‘Developing an EU Training Module on the Victims’ Directive’ and involves specialist training for lawyers on victims’ rights under the Directive in 5 EU countries. In 2017, the training programme will be piloted by solicitors and barristers in Ireland.
For more information, please contact:
Liam Herrick
email: liam.herrick@iccl.ie
mobile: 0872351374
