The Case for a Public Sector Positive Duty- ERA briefing paper

Equality & Rights Alliance welcomes the commitment in ‘The Programme for Government 2011’ to:

‘require all public bodies to take due note of equality and human rights in carrying out their functions’.

We believe that the most effective means of realising this commitment is through the introduction of a positive duty for public sector organisations. 

 Click here to read ERA briefing paper

UN Expert Criticises Irish Government response to the Economic Crisis

UN Expert on human rights and extreme poverty Dr Magdalena Sepúlveda Carmona has criticised the Irish Government for making cuts to the statutory equality, anti-poverty and human rights infrastructure at a time when people are 'particularly susceptible to violations of their rights' para 43-47.

Ms Sepúlveda Carmona recommended that the Government 'should take all measures to provide these institutions with adequate resources to enable them to efficiently and effectively exercise their duties and functions, which become even more significant during times of crisis.' 

In regard to the absorption of the former Combat Poverty Agency within what is now the Department of Social Protection, she recommended that 'the dissolution of the agency should not result in a reduction in the availability of independent research and evaluation of Government policies'.

download her report in full  

UN CERD expresses 'grave concern' at Govt cuts to the equality & human rights infrastructure

Read CERD Concluding Observations- click here 

Read NGO Alliance Shadow report