A/HRC/19/9
72.
Slovenia commended Ireland for the all-inclusive process prior to reporting to the
Working Group. Slovenia welcomed the Government’s decision to establish an expert
group, drawing on appropriate medical and legal expertise to address the European Court of
Human Rights judgement on the right to a termination of pregnancy in certain cases.
Slovenia made recommendations.
73.
Timor-Leste welcomed the pledges made by Ireland to improve prison conditions
and looked forward to their realization. Timor-Leste noted that Ireland, through the
enactment of the Criminal Justice Act in 2006, had lowered the age of criminal
responsibility from 12 to 10 years for serious crimes, and requested clarifications on the
rationale behind these changes. Timor-Leste made recommendations.
74.
Uruguay noted the efforts made by Ireland to protect the rights of separated and
unaccompanied minors seeking asylum, but deplored the fact that laws do not offer
protection according to the guidelines developed by UNHCR. Uruguay noted that
prohibition of corporal punishment is being reviewed, but is still not punishable by law.
Uruguay made recommendations.
75.
Chile welcomed the important list of rights recognized in the Constitution as well as
the development of the institutional framework of protection, which includes, inter alia, the
Irish Commission of Human Rights, a variety of ombudsmen in the field of children’s
rights, access to information, freedom of the Press, health and financial services. Chile
made recommendations.
76.
Argentina paid tribute to Ireland for establishing a Ministry for Integration, tasked
with the responsibility for shaping public policies in this field. Argentina made
recommendations.
77.
Switzerland noted that Irish legislation prohibits discrimination against employees;
nevertheless certain medical, religious and educational institutions are entitled to turn down
application forms from homosexual and unmarried people. Switzerland expressed concern
at the situation in Irish prisons, particularly overcrowding and detention conditions.
Switzerland pointed out that the mandate of the recently established Prison Inspector was
insufficient. Switzerland expressed concerns at the ongoing level of violence against
women. Switzerland made recommendations.
78.
Hungary commended Ireland for its financial contribution to OHCHR. Hungary
expressed concerns at prison conditions, including overcrowding, inadequate sanitation and
health care. Hungary congratulated Ireland on the unprecedented improvement concerning
participation in higher education in recent decades. Hungary made recommendations.
79.
The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland was encouraged by the
commitment of Ireland to child protection and the steps taken following investigation of the
handling of abuse by Church and State authorities, and the assessment of challenges about
prison conditions. The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland made
recommendations.
80.
Costa Rica commended Ireland on the functioning of the national human rights
institution in accordance with the Paris Principles and on the progress made in the internal
process to achieve accession to the Option Protocol to the Convention against Torture.
Costa Rica commended Ireland for extending a standing invitation to the United Nations
human rights special procedures and for efforts made to address domestic violence and
trafficking in persons. Costa Rica made recommendations.
81.
Latvia noted the efforts made so far by the Government with regard to combating
trafficking in human beings, but expressed concern about reports of sham marriages and
requested to know when Ireland would pass legislation to address the issue. Latvia made
recommendations.
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