Choice Ireland

Responding to the United Nations Universal Periodic Review of Ireland’s human rights record which took place in Geneva this morning, Choice Ireland spokesperson Sinéad Ahern said:

“Choice Ireland welcomes the recognition by many UN member states that Ireland’s abortion laws fail to protect women’s human rights.

“A number of countries raised the need to implement the European Court of Human Rights judgment in the ABC case. The denial of reproductive choice to rape victims and the continued criminalisation of women who choose abortion were also highlighted. These concerns must be addressed if Ireland is to live up to its stated commitment to the UPR process and to its obligations under international human rights law.

“We reiterate our view that the ABC judgment should be implemented immediately and not further delayed through the establishment of an ‘expert group’. However, we welcome the Minister’s commitment to comply with the Convention. It is crucial that the deadline the Minister has announced for consideration of this group’s proposals – March 2012, which marks 20 years from the X judgment upholding the right to a life-saving abortion – is strictly adhered to.

“Concerns were also raised about insufficient religious freedom in our schools and the lack of adequate sex education. The government must address these issues as a matter of urgency. It is wholly unacceptable that Boards of Management still have the power to deny young people access to the information they need to exercise true sexual and reproductive choice.” ENDS

Note: Choice Ireland and the Irish Feminist Network's joint submission to the UPR can be found at www.rightsnow.ie/assets/90/01190895-9E67-1895-999755D2ACB726E9_document/Choice_Ireland__Irish_Feminist_Network_UPR_Submission.pdf