Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission calls for implementation of protocol against torture
The Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission has criticised the Irish government for failing to ratify a UN protocol against torture, despite signalling its intention to do so ten years ago.
The Commission has today released a report making suggestions towards Ireland's implementation.
"The Optional Protocol would require the State to set up a National Preventative Mechanism (NPM) to allow unfettered access and increased independent inspection of all places of detention, including Garda stations, but also including care and residential settings," the Commssion said.
Some detention facilities, such as garda stations, are not currently subject to investigation and this represents "gaps in Ireland's monitoring framework".
The protocol has been ratified by 84 UN member states.
The Chief Commissioner said substantial progress has yet to be made in Ireland.
"The putting in place of a National Preventative Mechanism for Ireland under OPCAT will significantly strengthen inspection and monitoring processes in places where persons are deprived of their liberty, from Garda stations to residential care facilities," Emily Logan said.
“In Commissioning this research from the University of Bristol, the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission’s focus has been on enabling ratification to take place. The Commission is clear stemming from this research, that after a decade, the State must now make progress on ratification,” she added.
