Call for independent rights commission

The proposed new human rights and equality commission must be fully independent and accountable to the Oireachtas, the president of one of the organisations being amalgamated into the new body has said.

At an event in Dublin yesterday to mark 10 years of the Irish Human Rights Commission (IHRC), Maurice Manning said it was the view of the organisation that “a standalone body” offered the best means of protecting human rights in Ireland, but the commission would “work constructively to make the proposed new body a success”.

Earlier this month, Minister for Justice Alan Shatter announced that the IHRC would be merged with the Equality Authority to form a new body, the human rights and equality commission.

Mr Manning said the approach of Mr Shatter to the proposed new body had been “open, consultative and reassuring”. He emphasised the importance of the new body’s independence as well as Ireland’s obligations under Belfast Agreement, which required the operation of a joint human rights committee.

He welcomed the Government’s commitment to legislation which would result in the new body reporting directly to the Oireachtas. He added that the process of appointment to the new body must be “transparent and credible” to “inspire widespread confidence”.

Mr Manning also highlighted funding issues experienced by the IHRC. He said he was “reassured” the issues would be addressed for the new body.

Taoiseach Enda Kenny said a “strong, independent and open-minded” new commission was vital.

He also said he hoped Ireland’s application for membership of the United Nations Human Rights Council would be successful. Ireland is competing with Sweden, the US, Germany and Greece to be elected next year on to the council.