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Dr Maurice Manning Mark Stedman/Photocall Ireland

Ireland ‘must fill serious gaps’ in human rights record

The government faces examination by the UN today, amid warnings that the most vulnerable social groups are at risk.

THE GOVERNMENT WILL be examined on its human rights record by the UN today, as campaigners call on ministers to address “serious gaps” in the protection of vulnerable groups.

The Irish Human Rights Commission has said improvements are necessary in Ireland’s legislation on the rights of Travellers, migrants, asylum seekers, women, children, people with disabilities, people in poverty and prisoners. It has called on the government to make commitments in 15 specific areas, but none of these have been forthcoming.

Ireland’s record on cooperation with international human rights mechanisms and upholding equality will be under the microscope today as the government faces its first examination under the UN’s Universal Periodic Review system – a mechanism to examine the human rights records of 192 countries every four years, set up in 2006.

The Irish Human Rights Commission will also sit in on the meetings. Its president Dr Maurice Manning said: “this is a key opportunity for the Government to make positive human rights changes in Ireland. There have been serious gaps in the State’s efforts to date to meet its human rights obligations.”

He continued: “Drastic cuts in resources over the last 3 years to human rights and equality bodies have hampered our efforts to safeguard human rights and to hold the State to account,” adding that it is “vital that this chance is grasped” to fill the gaps and safeguard the vulnerable in society.

Read more: Ireland’s abortion laws under UN spotlight>

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10 Comments
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    Mute vanessa
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    Jul 11th 2012, 8:49 AM

    At no point in the article is there a mention of life being tough for the residents of the flat complex so I’m not sure what “snuffbox” is going on about!!!
    The few pictures shown here are great. I wish her the best of luck with the exhibition.

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    Mute Nora Butler
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    Jul 11th 2012, 12:16 PM

    Snuffbox what a judgemental ignorant comment to make about the photographer. This woman has a great eye for capturing life and sharing it with a wider audience, best of luck in her exhibition.

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    Mute Brian Breathnach
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    Jul 11th 2012, 5:08 PM

    Snuffbox, what are you on about? The pictures are from loads of different people that live and lived in the flats over the years not just the photographers family. Best of luck to her for organizing this exhibition, maybe it will inspire others to remember where they came from.

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    Mute Snuffbox
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    Jul 11th 2012, 8:19 AM

    So what! Lifes just as tough everywhere else these days.she took a few photos just cause her granny was from there.

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    Mute vv7k7Z3c
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    Jul 11th 2012, 9:50 AM

    Hi Snuffbox, I refer you to Vanessa’s comment below,
    Thanks, Susan, Editor.

    53
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    Mute Francis Cussen
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    Jul 11th 2012, 10:41 AM

    like one of the unbelievables once said. “no matter where you go on holidays you never have to pack a bollix because your always sure to find one”

    102
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    Mute Niamh Byrne
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    Jul 11th 2012, 6:25 PM

    Love those pictures. Love when an artist/photographer ties in history and life, interesting to see that although we are sixty years on the kids are still the same. I am sure not much has changed in the flat complex either.

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    Mute Anne Gaynor
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    Oct 2nd 2012, 11:14 PM

    I am from Pearse house and it was great to see a lot off people coming in and meeting people that they have not seen in years and I met people that worked with my dad telling all the old stories what they got up two thanks well done xxx

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    Mute Martina Curley Davis
    Favourite Martina Curley Davis
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    Oct 3rd 2012, 9:05 AM

    Was a great experience for my mam and myself was great to c people who knew me as a child and knew her and chat and remember old times

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    Mute Sinead Lynch
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    Jun 27th 2013, 12:48 PM

    Wish I was able to go and visit the flats as my Dad was born and raised in 5b Pearse house
    His name was Godfrey ( Golly ) Coffey. my Granny Brigid lived there until she died age 83. I have many happy memories of visiting Grannys and meeting my uncle Vincent and my cousin Brigid who often stayed at my grannys house. Ive lived in Australia a long time now but go back frequently . My sister Barbara is visiting Dublin in August this year so she will make an effort to visit the recreated flat and record some pics for me .

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