Ireland has been urged to take action on a series of issues after being examined by the UN Human Rights Council. The country came under scrutiny on issues such as the housing crisis, protections for asylum seekers, human trafficking, and LGBTQ+ rights.
On Tuesday, November 10, Ireland appeared before the Council as part of the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) process, which allows UN member states to assess the country’s record on human rights and make recommendations. Member states provided recommendations on a variety of issues, including protections for minority groups.
Ecuador, Iceland and Malta called on Ireland to safeguard the rights and wellbeing of intersex people, urging the country to increase protections from unnecessary medical interventions without free and informed consent. Malta further recommended the introduction of legislation recognising the right of intersex people to bodily integrity, with a ban on unnecessary medical intervention.
Iceland and Malta both recommended banning conversion practices, while several states raised concerns over Ireland’s response to hate against minority groups. The Netherlands specifically called on Ireland to implement an action plan against hate, which would go beyond criminal law to address the root causes of the issue.
Another key recommendation came from Denmark, which called for the full implementation and ongoing monitoring of Ireland’s National LGBTIQ+ Inclusion Strategy.
These recommendations were welcomed by a coalition of 23 Irish LGBTQ+ organisations, led by Transgender Equality Network Ireland (TENI), LGBT Ireland and Belong To. Earlier in April, the group had submitted a joint report outlining several key concerns and 33 recommendations for action.
“We are encouraged that States have taken up several of the key issues raised by LGBTQI+ organisations in Ireland,” commented Tim Hanley, Policy and Research Manager with LGBT Ireland.
However, Hanley also highlighted that “important gaps remain”. He continued, saying: “Issues including legal gender recognition, access to gender-affirming healthcare and the rights of LGBTQI+ families were not adequately reflected in the recommendations. These issues must remain firmly on the Government’s agenda.”
The UN Council’s review also increased scrutiny over Ireland’s housing and homelessness crisis. In their joint report, the LGBTQ+ organisations highlighted the economic and structural barriers that LGBTQ+ people can face in accessing housing, calling for targeted and inclusive policy measures, as well as better data and research.
Following the review, Ireland will indicate which recommendations it supports at a later stage of the UPR process. The LGBTQ+ coalition is now calling on the government to demonstrate its commitments to human rights by ensuring the full implementation of the recommendations.
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