Speech

39th Universal Periodic Review of human rights: UK statement on Ireland

Rita French, UK International Ambassador for Human Rights delivered the UK statement at Ireland's Universal Periodic Review (UPR).

• From: Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office and Rita French
• Published: 11 November 2021

This was published under the 2019 to 2022 Johnson Conservative government

• Location: Geneva, Switzerland
• Delivered on: 10 November 2021 (Transcript of the speech, exactly as it was delivered)

The United Kingdom welcomes Ireland’s efforts to promote and protect human rights. In particular we welcome the establishment of the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission and Ireland’s ratification of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.

The UK commends Ireland on their first ever prosecution for human trafficking offences in September. We are also pleased to see the establishment of an independent Anti-Racism Committee.

We recommend Ireland:

1. Develop and implement a National Action Plan to prevent and combat all forms of modern slavery including a budget, responsibilities and time frame, and reinstate a dedicated anti-trafficking unit;

2. Finalise and fully implement the national action plan against racism, informed by the principles of participation, non-discrimination, diversity and intersectionality;

3. Fully implement the Education for Persons with Special Educational Needs Act 2004.

Thank you.

Published 11 November 2021