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Ireland once again shamed on women’s human rights record

Published: Monday, June 22, 2015

The National Women’s Council of Ireland (NWCI) today welcomed the concluding observations of the United Nations Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights and called on the government to act immediately to vindicate the rights of women living in Ireland.

Orla O’Connor, Director of NWCI said,
“Today’s wide ranging report is hugely critical of Ireland’s record on women’s human rights, specifically in relation to reproductive rights, women’s economic rights and the Article 41.2 in Bunreacht na hEireann. While it comes as no surprise that yet another international body has shamed Ireland’s record on women’s rights, it is imperative that this time, the Government acts swiftly on the UN’s explicit recommendations.“

Orla O’Connor continued,
“The UN CESCR’s findings in relation to women’s sexual and reproductive rights echo what NWCI and our members have been saying for many years. The 2013 Protection of Life During Pregnancy Act has shown itself to be impractical and ineffectual, creating an unworkable distinction between the life and health of the mother, and places a chilling effect on medical professionals. That the Committee specifically refers to the lack of clarity for both women and doctors is noteworthy.”

Orla O’Connor said,
“Hugely important is the call for the Government to amend Article 41.2 which refers to women’s “life within the home”. A referendum on Article 41.2 has previously been recommended by the Constitutional Convention, but the Government have not yet acted. In 2015, it is simply unacceptable that our most important legal document defines women as home-makers and fails to express the range of women’s experiences as mothers, workers, political activists, or employers, and in the words of the UN, contributes to “pervasive gender equality.”

Orla O’Connor concluded,
“On the back of the findings of the UN CESCR, NWCI has a number of recommendations for the Government. They must name an immediate date for referendum to repeal the 8th Amendment, as well as a referendum on Article 41.2. We again repeat our calls for the Government to conduct an independent investigation into the Magdalene laundries. Also, Budget 2016 offers a clear opportunity for this Government to address the impact of austerity policies on those who suffered the most, women and children. ”

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