A/HRC/19/9
for all people in Ireland. In particular, Indonesia commended the guarantee of the right to
assembly and the standard of working conditions, as well as the allocations in the State
budget for health care and education. Indonesia made recommendations.
97.
Pakistan noted the resolve of the Government of Ireland to provide better education
and health services to the Traveller community. Pakistan mentioned that in 2011 the
Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination had noted with regret that the
economic recession was likely to threaten the ongoing efforts of the Government to combat
racial discrimination due to disproportionate budget cuts to those mechanisms dealing with
the anti-racism agenda. Pakistan made recommendations.
98.
Malaysia noted with concern the increase in complaints of discrimination against
minority groups including Muslims. Instances of racial profiling of non-Irish persons by
police and other law enforcement personnel have also reportedly increased. Malaysia asked
the delegation of Ireland to elaborate on the measures taken by the Government to promote
diversity and tolerance of other faiths and beliefs. Malaysia made recommendations.
99.
Azerbaijan noted that the Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination
had reiterated that responses to financial and economic crises should not lead to a situation
which would potentially give rise to racism, racial discrimination and xenophobia, and
related intolerance against foreigners and persons belonging to minorities. The Committee
also expressed concern at the lack of legislation proscribing racial profiling by the Garda
Sìochàna (Police) and other law enforcement personnel. Azerbaijan made
recommendations.
100. Honduras acknowleged that Ireland had ratified most of the main international
instruments and that it has extended a standing invitation to the Human Rights Council
special procedures. While noting the efforts of Ireland to eliminate racial discrimination,
Honduras expressed concern at reports of racial profiling by police. Honduras inquired
about the intentions of Ireland with regard to a National Action Plan and to ratification of
the Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture. Honduras made a
recommendation.
101. Mentioning Ireland’s last report to the Committee on the Elimination of Racial
Discrimination, in which Ireland stated that whether or not Travellers are considered as a
distinct ethnic group is of no domestic legal significance, Afghanistan inquired about
Ireland’s reluctance to recognize Travellers’ ethnicity. Afghanistan also asked Ireland to
expand on steps it intended to take in order to tackle Travellers’ health issues.
102. Ukraine encouraged Ireland to undertake further measures aimed at increasing the
participation of women in the labour market and their role in public life. Ukraine pointed
out that while accommodation and full board are provided for asylum-seekers in the “Direct
Provision” system, there are variations in standards among privately operated centres.
103. Germany noted that Ireland had signed the Convention on the Rights of Persons
with Disabilities in 2007 and inquired about the status of the ratification of that Convention.
Germany also noted that Ireland has achieved considerable progress in the area of gender
equality in recent years but pointed out that stereotypical gender roles subsist and women
still face inequality. Germany welcomed the establishment of a Constitutional Convention
which would tackle this issue. Germany inquired whether and when Ireland intended to
abolish the Offences against the Person Act and adopt legislation that provides for effective
procedures determining the legality of abortions.
104. Thailand welcomed the comprehensive legislation regarding refugees and asylumseekers. It mentioned prison conditions and the efforts of Ireland to address this situation.
Thailand encouraged the Government of Ireland to ensure protection of the rights of all
vulnerable groups, particularly women and children, and commended the establishment of
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