GICJ Oral Statement with International Organization for the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination (EAFORD)

Delivered by Tiril Andresen

On the 24th of March, Tiril Andresen delivered an Oral Statement on behalf of the Geneva International Centre for Justice (GICJ) and the International Organisation for the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination (EAFORD), for the outcome of the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) of Ireland. She expressed concern about the increase in attacks, discrimination and harassment, against migrants and ethnic minorities. Despite similar commitments in previous Universal Periodic Reviews, Ireland still lacks effective legislation against discrimination.

The Irish immigration system also lacks a statutory right for migrant victims of domestic violence, to retain their immigration status. Therefore, we strongly urge Ireland to adopt legislation that provides all victims of domestic violence with an independent status, and we also call for the full implementation of Article 59 of the Istanbul Convention. We also stress the importance of ensuring that the protection of refugees and migrants is in line with international standards, by ensuring full incorporation of international conventions.