Amnesty Welcomes Ireland’s Intent to New Human Rights Treaty

Amnesty International Ireland has warmly welcomed the announcement today that the Irish Government has decided to sign a new human rights treaty, which should strengthen protections for people living in Ireland.  

The treaty establishes a system to allow people living in Ireland whose rights like housing, health or education have not been delivered, to raise the matter directly with the United Nations. It has been a campaign priority for Amnesty International members for three years, who have collected signatures urging Ireland to sign the treaty from all over the country.

Colm O’Gorman, Executive Director of Amnesty International Ireland, said: “Ireland will be joining a number of European countries who have signed this treaty and by doing so is showing real leadership on the international stage. We hope the Government will move ahead swiftly with ratifying the treaty.

“The decision to sign this treaty is welcome sign of the Government’s willingness to take seriously the need for protections for rights like health and housing, which must also be protected in our Constitution.”

Entitled the ‘Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights’, the treaty was adopted by the UN General Assembly in 2008 and opened for signing in September 2009.

By signing the treaty the Government will signal its intent to ratify the treaty, at which time it will become legally binding on Ireland and the complaint mechanism will be set up.

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Amnesty International Ireland is an Atlantic grantee through the Reconciliation & Human Rights programme in the Republic of Ireland.