At a ceremony today, President Michael Higgins today appointed Kieran Rose, Chair of GLEN as one of the members of the new Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission (IHREC).

“We are delighted that GLEN co-founder and Chair, Kieran Rose, has been appointed to the IHREC. He has been a champion of human rights and equality over very many years, in particular for lesbian, gay and bisexual people” says GLEN Director Brian Sheehan.

The new body will report directly to the Oireachtas, unlike the Human Rights Commission and the Equality Authority, which will be formally merged tomorrow.

“His appointment to the IHREC by the President underscores the importance of the promotion of equality and the protection of the human rights of LGBT people, and the importance of nurturing a culture of respect for the rights of each person in Ireland.”

The President named Children’s Ombudsman, Emily Logan, Commissioner of the IHREC, and along with Rose there are 13 other commission members, each of whom brings an expertise in areas such as employment law, disability advocacy, civil liberties, prisoners rights, gender equality, Travellers’ and immigrant rights.

“GLEN congratultes Emily Logan, and to all those appointed to the IHREC today,” says Sheehan. “Together they can map out and lead on implementing a new future for human rights and equality for all people in Ireland.”