Ahern signs UN human rights charter

Ireland has joined other countries in signing an addition to the UN Convention Against Torture.

Minister for Foreign Affairs Dermot Ahern signed the Optional Protocol to the UN Convention Against Torture and other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment at a ceremony in the United Nations Headquarters in New York, this afternoon.

The protocol establishes a procedure for regular visits to places of detention by independent national and international bodies, with a view to strengthening the protection of those imprisoned against torture or other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment.

Ireland will move to create a national visiting body for prisons and other places of detention.

Speaking in New York, Minister Ahern said: "We in Ireland are steadfast in our commitment to the eradication and prevention of torture throughout the world. By signing this Optional Protocol, we are sending a strong signal of our political commitment to the protection of the basic human rights of all persons, including those in detention.

"Torture is an unacceptable violation of basic human rights and has no place in any society. This Optional Protocol establishes a system of independent inspection to ensure that the human rights of all those in detention are respected."

The Optional Protocol was adopted by the UN General Assembly in December 2002.