Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission
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The Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission was established on November 1, 2014, it is a statutory body which is publicly funded but is independent of government. It was formed as a result of the merger of the Equality Authority and the Irish Human Rights Commission (IHRC) both former bodies were dissolved and their functions transferred to the IHREC.[1]
The role of the IHREC as outlined in its primary legislation (Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission Act 2014) is to protect and promote human rights and equality in Ireland and to encourage a culture of respect for human rights, equality and intercultural understanding across the state. The Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission Act 2014 was signed into law by Michael D. Higgins, President of Ireland on 27 July 2014.
The IHREC is Ireland’s National Human Rights Institution (NHRI), which means that its powers and functions fully comply with the Paris Principles. The Principles, which set out the role, composition, status and functions of NHRIs, were endorsed by the United Nations General Assembly in December 1993. The IHREC also serves as the National Equality Body for the Republic of Ireland.
Public Information Centre
The Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission operates a Public Information Centre and provides information on issues related to human rights and equality.
Commission Members
The Commission is composed of a Chief Commissioner and 14 Members. The first Chief Commissioner of the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission is Emily Logan, former Ombudsman for Children. Members; Teresa Blake SC, Frank Conaty, Heydi Foster-Breslin, Liam Herrick, David Joyce BL, Mark Kelly, Sunniva McDonagh SC, Professor Siobhán Mullally, Dr Mary Murphy, Professor Ray Murphy, Dr Fidèle Mutwarasibo, Orlagh O'Farrell, Betty Purcell, Kieran Rose.
Each member of the Commission was appointed by President of Ireland, Michael D. Higgins on 31 October 2014.
Director
The first Director of the IHREC, Sinéad Gibney, was appointed in August 2014 and took up her position on 26 October 2014. Under the IHREC Act 2014, the Director is also the Accounting Officer for the organisation.
Functions of the IHREC
The functions of the IHREC as outlined in the Irish Human Rights and Equality Act 2014 are;[2]
- To protect and promote human rights and equality,
- To encourage the development of a culture of respect for human rights, equality, and intercultural understanding in the State,
- To promote understanding and awareness of the importance of human rights and equality in the State,
- To encourage good practice in intercultural relations, to promote tolerance and acceptance of diversity in the State and respect for the freedom and dignity of each person, and
- To work towards the elimination of human rights abuses, discrimination and prohibited conduct.