The UN Special Rapporteur on Human Rights Defenders, Margaret Sekaggya, visited Ireland on a five day mission from 19-23 November 2012. During her mission she met with President Michael D. Higgins, representatives of the legislative and judicial branches, members of the Human Rights Commission, and a broad range of civil society actors. She is scheduled to present her findings to the UN Human Rights Council next March.
Ms Sekaggya stressed that although the environment in Ireland is favourable for human rights defenders, the country could do more to raise awareness among its citizens of their role in society. She drew attention to challenges faced by certain groups of defenders, in particular those exercising their right to protest in relation to environmental rights; sexual and reproductive rights defenders; and those working for the rights of the Traveller community.
The Special Rapporteur called on the Government to make additional efforts to equip and instruct the Garda Síochána on how to handle protests and support and protect those who could be intimidated or harassed in connection to their human rights activities.
She praised Ireland for championing the protection of defenders at risk in other countries under the European Union Guidelines on human rights defenders and acknowledged the Government’s efforts to integrate and promote the protection of defenders through its development aid. Click here to read.
Click here to read Ms Sekaggya’s statement delivered at the end of her visit to Ireland
Click here to read an Irish Times article on the visit and a Journal article.
Ms. Sekaggya’s visit is a timely one as it comes in the wake of Ireland’s election to the UN Human Rights Council earlier this month. She commented that “Ireland has a unique opportunity to bring human rights issues forward now that it has been elected to the UN Human Rights Council and will have the Presidency of the European Union in the first half of 2013”
Ireland was one of five states running for three seats reserved for the “Western Europe and Others' group of nations” category. The United States and Germany join Ireland on the Human Rights Council, while Greece and Sweden were unsuccessful. Human rights bodies such as the Irish Council for Civil Liberties (ICCL) and Amnesty International Ireland have welcomed Ireland’s election to the UN Human Rights Council.
Click here to view a Journal article on Ireland’s election.
Click here to read an Amnesty International press release and an ICCL press release.