21st March 2011
The IPRT submission to the United Nations Universal Periodic Review focuses on the protection and promotion of human rights in Irish prisons. The Universal Periodic Review (UPR) is a new mechanism of the United Nations that provides for the review of the human rights practices of all States in the world. It is conducted once every four years.
The submission examines some of the most pressing issues in relation to human rights in Irish prisons; slopping out and cell conditions; shortcomings regarding complaints mechanisms for prisoners; the continuing imprisonment of children in St. Patrick's Institution; the effect of a history of imprisonment as a barrier to employment; and overcrowding. The need for the introduction of legislation committed to the principle of imprisonment as a last resort is emphasised, along with the prompt establishment of a Prisoner Ombudsman.
IPRT also made a submission to the Irish Human Rights Commission Report, as well as contributing to the 'Your Rights, Right Now' Irish Civil Society Coalition (cross-sectoral) report, led by the Irish Council for Civil Liberties.
Download the IPRT submission to the UN Universal Periodic Review above.
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Respect for rights in the penal system with prison as a last resort.