In its Two Year Report (published today, 1 May 2008), the Garda Ombudsman Commission proposes ten legislative changes to the Garda Síochána Act 2005. From a human rights perspective, nine of those are unproblematic; however, the tenth – to amend …
Government “Short-Changing” Council of Europe say Human Rights Groups
Two leading human rights groups, the Irish Council for Civil Liberties (ICCL) and the Irish Penal Reform Trust (IPRT) have said that the Government is “short-changing” the Council of Europe, by refusing to implement key recommendations in a new report …
Taking Liberties: The Human Rights Implications of the Balance in the Criminal Law Review Group
Taking Liberties outlines the human rights implications of last year’s report by the Balance in the Criminal Law Review Group (the Hogan Group). This report proposed a series of measures that would diminish the rights of accused people, without improving …
Rossiter Inquiry Identifies Clear Violation of Human Rights Convention
A newly-released report into the death of 14-year old Brian Rossiter has identified a clear violation of the European Convention on Human Rights, according to the Irish Council for Civil Liberties (ICCL). Mr Hugh Hartnett SC found that, “The documentation …
Garda “Report Cards” say “Much Done, More To Do” says the ICCL
The Irish Council for Civil Liberties (ICCL) has welcomed the publication by the Garda Inspectorate of a series of “report cards” on the implementation of its recommendations on Garda reform. Speaking on the release of the Inspectorate’s implementation tables, ICCL …
The Situation on Civil and Political Rights in Ireland, 2008
Presentation for Members of the Human Rights Committee, Tanya Ward, Deputy Director, Irish Council for Civil Liberties (ICCL), Friday, 28 March 2008. You can download the document here.
ICCL Submission on the Immigration, Residence and Protection Bill 2008 (March 2008)
ICCL submission on the Immigration, Residence and Protection Bill 2008 (March 2008).
The General Scheme of the Civil Partnership Bill: Legal Consequences and Human Rights Implications ICCL Seminar Series, Volume 1, January 2008
Volume 1 of the ICCL Seminar Series brings together in an edited form papers first given at the ICCL Seminar The General Scheme of the Civil Partnership Bill: Legal Consequences and Human Rights Implications which took place on Friday, 18 …
ICCL Submission to the Government’s Consultation on its Sixth Report under the UN Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (December 2007)
The present submission focuses on a number of key areas in respect of which the ICCL believes the CPT should consider making use of its powers under the European Convention for the Prevention of Torture, namely: the legal position of …
‘Extraordinary Rendition’: Human Rights Commission confirms that Irish Government is wrong in law
Today the ICCL welcomed a report by the Irish Human Rights Commission calling for an inspection and monitoring regime to prevent Irish airports being used for ‘extraordinary rendition’ flights. “Several high-level independent reports now confirm that Shannon Airport plays an …
List of Issues’ Submission to the UN Human Rights Committee in relation to Ireland’s Report under the ICCPR, in association with FLAC and the IPRT (December 2007)
List of Issues’ Submission to the UN Human Rights Committee in relation to Ireland’s Report under the ICCPR, in association with FLAC and the IPRT (December 2007)
Heed Commissioner’s Wake-Up Call, say Human Rights Groups
Two leading human rights groups, the Irish Council for Civil Liberties (ICCL) and the Irish Penal Reform Trust (IPRT) have called upon on the Government to heed today’s “wake-up call” from the Council of Europe’s Commissioner for Human Rights, Mr …
ICCL Submission to the Office of the Commissioner for Human Rights of the Council of Europe (November 2007)
ICCL Submission to the Office of the Commissioner for Human Rights of the Council of Europe November 2007. Download it here.
ICCL Welcomes Dáil Civil Unions Debate
The Irish Council for Civil Liberties (ICCL) has welcomed the prospect of a renewed Dáil debate on a Civil Unions Bill. Mr. Mark Kelly, Director of the ICCL, said the reintroduction of the Bill this evening (31 October 2007) provides …
Special Criminal Court Expansion Would Put Ireland in the Dock
The Irish Council for Civil Liberties (ICCL) has said that expanding the role of the Special Criminal Court to include gangland crime would place Ireland “in the dock” with the United Nations Human Rights Committee. Reacting to recent calls for …
Government Must Heed Foy Judgment says the ICCL
The Irish Council for Civil Liberties (ICCL) has warmly welcomed today’s groundbreaking High Court judgment in the Lydia Foy case. Speaking shortly after the release of the judgment, ICCL Director Mr Mark Kelly said: “The Foy judgment makes clear that …
ICCL Submission on the Charities Bill 2007 (October 2007)
ICCL Submission on the Charities Bill 2007 (October 2007).
Unsafe and Degrading: Europe’s Verdict on Ireland’s Prisons
In a joint statement released today (Wednesday 10 October 2007), the Irish Council for Civil Liberties (ICCL) and the Irish Penal Reform Trust (IPRT) welcomed the Government’s decision to publish the latest report by the Council of Europe’s human rights …
Mr G Case Highlights Need for Constitutional Reform, says the ICCL
The Irish Council for Civil Liberties (ICCL) has given a qualified welcome to today’s High Court judgment in the “Mr G” case, which recognised that an unmarried father has inherent rights in relation to his children. Speaking shortly after Mr …
ICCl Backs Senator’s Call for Garda “culture of accountability”
The Irish Council for Civil Liberties (ICCL) has backed calls from a group led by Senator Maurice Hayes for a new “culture of accountability” in An Garda Síochána. The Final Report of the Advisory Group on Garda Management and Leadership …