22 OF IRELAND’S LEADING HUMAN RIGHTS GROUPS ADOPT A
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BULLETIN BULLETINVOL VOL13 13ISSUE ISSUE111 BULLETIN VOL 14 ISSUE APRIL APRIL2014 2014 MARCH 2015 are interdependent and indivisible and people do PRESIDENT HIGGINS 22 LEADING RIGHTS ADOPT 22OF OFIRELAND’S IRELAND’S LEADINGHUMAN HUMANRights RIGHTS GROUPS ADOPT not experienceGROUPS one set of rights violationsAA in isolation ADDRESSES HEALTH AND from other experiences. For example, access to other COMMON VISION FOREIGN POLICY COMMONRIGHTS VISIONFOR FORHUMAN HUMANRIGHTS RIGHTS INIRISH IRISH FOREIGN POLICY rights IN such as the right to adequate housing, education HUMAN CONFERENCE and work are vital for good health. THE GALWAY PLATFORM ON HUMAN RIGHTS ININ IRISH FOREIGN POLICY, FACILITATED BYBY NUI GALWAY’S IRISH CENTRE FOR HUMAN RIGHTS THE GALWAY PLATFORM ON HUMAN RIGHTS IRISH FOREIGN POLICY, FACILITATED NUI GALWAY’S IRISH CENTRE FOR HUMAN RIGHTS TT heheIrish IrishCentre CentreforforHuman HumanRights Rightsatat NUI NUI Galway Galway has has brought brought together together 2222 ofof Ireland’s Ireland’s leading leading human human rights rights groups groupstotoadopt adopta acommon commonvision visionforfor human human rights rights inin Irish Irish Foreign Foreign Policy. Policy. The to health was recognized as human rights as far human rights ususproud.” human rightstotomake make proud.” undertake undertakeany anyaction actionthat thatisright isinconsistent inconsistent back asby1948, when the Universal Declaration of Human with it it withthe thehuman humanrights rightsstandards standards bywhich which Thehas Galway signed by:by: Galway Platform signed thePlatform right has tohasbeen a been standard of living is isheld heldtotoaccount.” account.” Rights said: ‘EveryoneThe adequate for… health and well-being.’ Amnesty International Ireland, Centre forfor Criminal Amnesty International Ireland, Centre Criminal and Human Rights at at University College Justice and Human Rights University College Professor Professor Michael Michael O’Flaherty, O’Flaherty, Director Director Justice Cork, Centre Disability Law Policy at at National Cork, for Disability & Policy National InHuman this context, the ofCentre thefordelivery ofLaw a&fair healthcare ofofthe Rights theIrish IrishCentre Centreforfor Human Rightsat at issue University of of Ireland, Galway, Children‘s Rights University Ireland, Galway, Children‘s RightsThe was discussed at NUI Galway on the 6th of February. The NUIGalway Galwaysaid, said,“We “Weare aredelighted delightedthat that TheGalway GalwayPlatform PlatformononHuman HumanRights Rights NUI Alliance, Community Workers’ Alliance, Community Workers’ Co-operative, public event was part of the President of Co-operative, Ireland’s Ethics rights groups ininIrish manyimportant importanthuman human rights groups IrishForeign ForeignPolicy Policysets setsout outthe thebasic basic sosomany Department of of Applied Social Studies, National Department Applied Social Studies, National Initiative. President Michael D. Higgins opened the event human wereable abletotocome cometotoGalway Galwayand andagree agree University humanrights rightsstandards standardsand andpractices practicesbyby were of of Ireland, Maynooth, Front Line University Ireland, Maynooth, Front Line and delivered a wide-ranging address. Gay && Lesbian Equality Network, Irish Defenders, Gay Lesbian Equality Network, Irish which thiswide-ranging wide-rangingroad roadmap mapforforhuman human Defenders, whichIreland Irelandshould shouldbebeheld heldtotoaccount accountinin ononthis forfor Human Rights, National University Centre Human Rights, National University Although itsitsdealings rightsininIrish IrishForeign ForeignPolicy. Policy. Although the Centre dealingswith withother othercountries, countries,asaswell wellasas rights The event wasthe organised by NUI Galway’s Irish Centre of of Galway, Irish Council forfor Civil Liberties, Irish Galway, Irish Council Civil Liberties, Irish for government getting ininitsitsactivities governmentis isalready alreadyHuman gettingaRights alotlotright right activitiesatatEUEUand andUN UNlevel. level. and its College ofUnions, Medicine, Nursing and Congress of of Trade Irish Penal Reform, Irish Congress Trade Unions, Irish Penal Reform, Irish when ofofhuman whenit itcomes comestotothe thepromotion promotion humanSpeakers Health Sciences. and panel experts came from Refugee Council, Liberia Solidarity Group, National Refugee Council, Liberia Solidarity Group, National The TheGalway GalwayPlatform Platformcontains contains4747specific specific rights one rightsinternationally, internationally,nono onewould woulddispute dispute Assembly of of thethe Baha’is of of Ireland, National Assembly Baha’is Ireland, National medicine, law, ethics, international development, health observations observationsand andproposals proposalstotogovernment government Council of of Ireland, Ireland Women‘s Council Ireland, Northern Ireland that more. The Irish thatit itcan candodososomuch much more. Theactivism Irish Women‘s policy and backgrounds. TheNorthern keynotes were ininthe thecontext contextofofthe thecurrent currentconsultation consultation Human Rights Consortium, Pavee Point, Social Human Rights Consortium, Pavee Point, Social Centre and the CentreforforHuman HumanRights Rights and theother other Sofi given by Professor a Gruskin, University of Southern living in Foreign Ireland has a being right onEveryone ofofIrish ona areview review Irish ForeignPolicy Policy beingto health and it is the California and Professor Ireland, Trocaire, University College Dublin, Justice Ireland, Trocaire, University College Dublin, George Ulrich, University of signatories signatoriesare areputting puttingthe theGalway GalwayPlatform Platform Justice responsibility ofDepartment the Irish Government Rights Network and Women’s Human Human Rights Network and Women’s Human undertaken ofofForeign undertakenbybythe the Department Foreign to protect and to Riga. Notably, the Human event was addressed by the Chief recommendations to government so that recommendations to government so that Rights Alliance. Rights Alliance. deliver that right. States cannot protect Affairs Trade. These are realistic and Affairsand and Trade. These are realistic and against illness, but Commissioners of both the Irish and the Northern Irish Ireland can be anan international champion ofof Ireland can be international champion they need to be protecting the facilities, goods, services measured recommendations intended to measured recommendations intended to and conditions that are necessary to promote good health. Human Rights Commissions. ensure that Ireland holds true toto the human ensure that Ireland holds true the human NEWS NEWSFROM FROMTHE THEDIRECTOR DIRECTOR rights rights commitments commitments that that it it has has freely freely entered enteredinto. into. It Itgives givesme megreat greatpleasure pleasuretotowelcome welcomeyou youtotothe therevamped revamped THE HUMAN RIGHTS SCHOLAR/ACTIVIST OR ACTIVIST/SCHOLAR? Bulletin IRISH CENTRE Bulletinofofthe the IRISH CENTREFOR FORHUMAN HUMANRIGHTS. RIGHTS. The Theprotection protectionofofhuman humanrights rightsis isintegral integral toThe now toIreland’s Ireland’s foreign policyand andIreland Ireland now familyforeign of thepolicy late Professor Kevin has the opportunity to significantly enhance has the opportunity to significantly enhance Boyle, co-founder of the Irish Centre itsfor totopromote and protect human itscapacity capacity promote and protect human Human Rights, has deposited his atasas the James Hardiman rights worldwide well asasatathome. rightsarchive worldwide well home.The The Library, NUI Galway. This important recommendations also the recommendations also emphasize emphasize the archive has much say about the need rights mainstreamed needforforhuman human rightstoto tobebe mainstreamed pursuit of human rights in Ireland, the across aspect policy. acrossevery every aspectof offoreign foreign policy.For For UK and the internationally. instance, instance, theGalway GalwayPlatform Platformstates statesthat, that, “it“itwould wouldbebeunacceptable unacceptableforforthe theState Statetoto The Archive was launched at a series of events at NUI Galway in November of 2014. The day-long symposium, organised by the Irish Centre for Human Rights and the School of Law of NUI Galway, brought together leading human rights scholars and activists to address the theme “The Human Rights Scholar-Activist or ActivistScholar?” exploring issues of human rights, archives and memoralization. The keynote speaker was Professor Sir Nigel Rodley, Chairperson of the UN Human Rights Committee. Wehope hopethat thatyou youwill willfind findthis thisnew newversion versionmore moreinformative informative THE LAUNCH OFWe THE KEVIN BOYLE ARCHIVE and andinteresting interestingtotoread readthan thanever everbefore. before.These Thesepages pagescapture capture the theremarkable remarkablerange rangeofofactivities activitiesatatthe theCentre, Centre,from fromacademic academic leadership leadershipand andachievements achievementstotopolicy-level policy-levelengagement engagementononthe the most mostpressing pressingissues issuesofofthe theday. day.Colleagues Colleaguesatatthe theCentre Centreare are helping helpingshape shapethe thehuman humanrights rightsdiscourse discourseboth bothininIreland Irelandand and internationally. internationally.We Wewelcome welcomeyour yourfeedback feedbackononthe theBulletin Bulletinand and I wish I wishyou youenjoyable enjoyablereading. reading. REMEMBERING REMEMBERINGNELSON NELSONMANDELA MANDELA “(...) “(...)It Itis isforforthat thatreason reasonthat thatwewetake takesuch suchspecial specialpride prideininbeing beinghonoured honouredbybyananIrish Irish institution institutionofofhigher higherlearning. learning.We Wehumbly humblyaccept acceptthis thisaward, award,also alsoononbehalf behalfofofthe thepeople peopleofof South SouthAfrica Africawho whowould wouldwish wishme metotoconvey conveytheir theirthanks thanksand andappreciation appreciationforforyour yoursupport support totoour ourstruggle struggleatata atime timewhen whenit itwas wasnot notfashionable fashionabletotodemonstrate demonstratesuch suchsupport supportininthe the manner mannerthat thatyou youdid. did.(...) (...)“ “ Nelson Mandela, excerpt from hishis address during the honorary Nelson Mandela, excerpt from address during the honorary doctorate ceremony onon the 20th ofof June 2003 doctorate ceremony the 20th June 2003 OO n nthe the5th 5thofofDecember December2013, 2013,Nelson NelsonRolihlahla RolihlahlaMandela Mandeladied. died.InInhis hispassing passingwewelost losta a great greatupholder upholderofofhuman humanvalues valuesand anddignity dignity– –one oneofofthe theall-time all-timechampions championsofofhuman human rights. rights.Despite Despitethe thepersonal personalhardships hardshipshehemet metduring duringhis hisfreedom freedomstruggle, struggle,hehenever neverlost lost OtherINSIDE speakers included Michael Farrell, Senior Solicitor (FLAC), ISSUE INSIDETHIS THIS ISSUE his vision a abetter Africans. His inspired his visionforfor betterand andjust justcountry countryforforallallSouth South Africans. Hisstruggle struggle inspiredpeople peopleallall INSIDE THIS ISSUE former Irish President and UN High Commissioner for Human around and galvanized aroundthe theworld world and galvanizedthe thehuman humanrights rightscommunity. community.Nelson NelsonMandela Mandelaembodied embodied Rights, Mrs. Mary Robinson (video address), Mrs. Marie McGonagle, ICHR ACTIVITIES 2-4 ICHR for ACTIVITIES ICHR ACTIVITIES 2-4 the audacity ofofhope, the audacity hope,a atowering toweringexample example forthe thepersistency persistencyforforhumanity humanityand anda awise wise2-4 Professor Francoise Hampson (University of Essex), Professor Tom conciliator, who understood to bridge the gap between the past and the future. conciliator, who understood to bridge the gap between the past and the future. STAFF ACTIVITIES | OPINIO JURIS 5-8 STAFF ACTIVITIES | OPINIO JURIS 5-8 Hadden (Queen’s University Belfast), Barry Houlihan (Archivist, STAFF NEWS 5-6 Nelson NelsonMandela Mandelawas wasconferred conferredwith withananHonorary HonoraryDoctorate DoctorateofofLaws LawsatatNUI NUIGalway Galwayononthe the NUI Galway), Professor Brice Dickson, (Queen’s University Belfast) HUMAN RIGHTS NEWS FROM HUMAN RIGHTS NEWS FROM 20th drew attention to the work the University carries 20thofofJune June2003. 2003.His Hisvisit visitand andconferral conferral drew attention to the work the University carries Bernadette McAliskey, Professor Pól Ó Dochartaigh (Registrar, NUI NEWS FROM THE SCHOOL OF LAW 7 THE SCHOOL OFOF LAW 99 THE SCHOOL LAW Galway), Louis Boyle, Professor Donncha O’Connell (Head of thecentre out asasa aleading international out leading international centreofofresearch, research,teaching teachingand andengagement engagementononglobal global School ofGRADUATES Law) and Professor Michael O’Flaherty (Director the RECENT PHD 1010 RECENT PHD GRADUATES human issues. Rights our humanrights rights issues.Onof Onbehalf behalfofofthe theIrish IrishCentre CentreforforHuman Human RightsI observe I observe ourdeep deep8 ANNOUNCEMENTS AND UPCOMING EVENTS Irish Centre for Human Rights). sadness at the passing of Nelson Mandela and express our gratitude for his dedication sadness at the passing of Nelson Mandela and express our gratitude for his dedication ALUMNI NEWS 1111 ALUMNI NEWS totohuman humanrights. rights.His Hislegacy legacywill willnot notdiminish diminishand andit itwill willcontinue continuetotoinspire inspiregenerations generationsofof PUBLICATIONS AND UPCOMING EVENTS PUBLICATIONS AND UPCOMING EVENTS 1212 human humanrights rightsdefenders defenderseverywhere. everywhere. - Prof. - Prof.Michael MichaelO’Flaherty O’Flaherty /IrishHumanRights /IrishCentreHR humanrights@nuigalway.ie ICHR ACTIVITIES PAGE22 PAGE SIR NIGEL RODLEY SPEAKS ON THE regional settings. ICHR visit to Renmore Barracks in AGAINST Galway TORTURE INTERNATIONAL PROHIBITON The debate addressed issues of quality of healthcare in Ireland raised by Dr. Adam McAuley (Dublin City University, Lecturer) and legal aspects of implementation of the right to health in Ireland by Des Hogan (Solicitor, Ph.D. Candidate, Trinity College Dublin). Natalya Pestova (Ph.D. Candidate, Irish for Human Rights) KateCentre Doherty, 3rd year BA highlighted links between health inequalities for disadvantaged Connect and human rights groups in Russia and access to healthcare as a human rights issue. I have been studying in University of California, Dr. Brigit Toebes addressed the privatisation of healthcare Berkeley, specialising services in Netherlands and introduction of a system of regulated in Peace and Conflict competition from the perspective of the right to health. On the 30th of October 2013 staff and postgraduate students from Studies in the context of the ICHR LL.M. and Ph.D. programmes visited the Irish Defence my BA Collaborating Connect placeSondus Hassounah (research assistant,WHO Centre) Forces First Infantry Battalion at Renmore Barracks in Galway. The ment. has and been an highlighted challenges of meeting the right toIthealth public visit was organized by Professor Ray Murphy, and allowed staff and eye opening and enrichhealth perspectives, and the effort of the WHO research team students the opportunity to hear presentations from members of ing experience for me. under the guidance of Professor Salman Rawaf (Director, WHO From the classes to the the Defence Forces. Centre) to of ‘marry‘ indicatorsI and criteria. Their Sir Nigel Rodley, former UN Special Rapporteur on Torture and Collaborating current Chairperson the theirpeople, have learned Human Rights Committee, gave a public lecture at ICHR on “International Action presentation was basedagainst on comparative figures from the Arab an incredible amount. Presentersinincluded Lt. Col. Brennan BL focused on the Legal Torture” November of Richard 2014. The lecture on the history of the prohibition and inworld. Nexus in Peace Support Operations, Lt Col. Mark Hearns on the creasing attention given to the topic in light of the prevalence of torture worldwide. Sir Nigel Not only did I learn so UNMIS mission in Syria, and Comdt. Trevor Ging on the ISAFHuman Rights Katherine Heuss of Edinburgh) in her also spoke to the experience of Ireland’s review at the Committee in (Ms July student, of 2014.University much about the world, mission in Afghanistan, among others. While on the visit, the group presentation on the challenge of theand access huge in numbers of theofUSA classes, had the opportunity to learn first hand about the weapons and refugees to healthcare in Lebanon triggered a discussion onmythe but I learned about ENDING DISCRIMINATION equipment employed by the Defence Forces AGAINST and their relevance to core obligations of central government obligations of the selfversus and where I want my TRANSGENDER IRISH LAW: international humanitarianPEOPLE law and peaceIN operations. international community to assist the state to fulfil with its duties on engagement human A SEMINAR ON THE GENDER RECOGNITION BILL the right to health. The book “Implementing thebe Right to Health: rights to focused in - Amina Adanan future. is There A Multi-Country Study of Law, and Practice” due towere be Legal Advice Centre Se-Policy the gnition in Ireland, welcomed Free so in many homegrown published by TMC AsserFarrell, Press / Springer 2014. For more Solicitor Michael the Bill, but has said it inclu- nior problems that I’d never information see http://www.rug.nl/staff/b.c.a.toebes/abc.pdf. who represented Dr. Foy, des “unnecessary obstacles”. Expert Meeting on the Right to Health encountered before, and said the Bill had provisions - Natalia it was interesting to Pestova see Dr. Foy expressed concern that would force married different perspectives that it would exclude young transgender people to divoron these problems and transgender people at a very ce if they sought official recoexpand my understanddifficult and vulnerable time gnition. Anne ItCadwallader at ICHR did not cater adeing of human rights and in their lives. “We don’t want quately for children under The Irish Centre for Human to slavishly copy legislation the violation of them. 16 years of age, who were Rights hosted a public semi- that is wrong in other counoften bullied and victimised nar examining Ireland‘s long tries,” she said. Ireland is the Being in Berkeley during in school, he said. Mr. Farrell awaited Gender Recognition only EU member state that violent protests reiteratsaid that while he was glad in Bill in February of 2015. ed how much important does not permit legal recog- “principle” the Bill had been work there is still to be nition of transgender people. published, it was “unfortuProfessor O’Flaherty thedeA Seminar ‘Implementing right to health’ was held at the Irish done to ensure equal huscribed Government’s A of High Court in 2007 nate” the Government could Centre for the Human Rights on the 24th August. Theruling group of man rights for all people. not have come up with a betGender Bill from as different found the State working to be inon breacademicsRecognition and researchers countries, a Studying abroad for the “flawed” and “very ach of its positive obligations ter document. multi-country study of law,disappolicy and practice of implementation semester is one of the pointing” urged that under of article 8 of the Euro- The Galway seminar was of the right and to health under theitleadership Dr. Brigit Toebes best decisions I have ever be brought into line with pean Convention on Human cited extensively in subsemade. The journey I have (Lecturer, University of Groningen, Netherlands), met in Galway “international best practice”. Rights in failing to recognise quent debates on the Bill in gone on is one I will nevfor the first time. Participants from the fields of legal, political and Transgender woman Dr. Ly- Dr. Foy in her female gender the Irish Senate. er forget and I feel it will public health science engaged in discussion on the current issues dia Foy, who led the legal and failing to provide her Anne Cadwallader from the Pat Finucane author of the neverCentre, stop impacting and and challenges of implementation of the right in domestic and challenges on gender reco- with a new birth certificate. best-selling book “Lethal Allies”, gave a public lecture Tuesday challenging my on perspec4th of March. She was accompaniedtive by Margaret Urwin of “Justice on the world. Danica Finger (Germany) for the Forgotten”, which campaigns for victims in the Republic. THE QUEST FOR JUSTICE AND TRUTH: A PUBLIC SEMINAR did you choose the ICHR? ON THE TUAMWhy MOTHER AND BABIES HOME A colleague of mine told me about the Centre during an internship in Geneva for a human rights NGO. The choice of courses and its content were particularly appealing to me. How do you like studying at the ICHR? I love it. The level of expertise of the professors is unique. I also like the fact that seminars are offered here rather than lectures, which allows for more discussion and interaction. Finally, I appreciate the constant accessibility of the professors. What do you consider as most beneficial so far in the LL.M. programme? I have certainly benefitted from the exchange with the lecturers. I was able to deepen my knowledge through essays on specific issues. Moreover, I think that the Centre is well-connected due to the high number of guest speakers and I have thus gained fascinating insight into a multitude of issues. - Jia Wang The Irish Centre for Human Rights organised a public seminar scholars at the University Awards Day inUniversity November of 2014, where human rights activists, experts and a public audience discussed the latest developments and Six BAcase. with Human Rights of prospects regarding the Tuam Babies A commission students were announced inquiry is in process of establishment following the discovery as university scholars at the of the graves of infants at the former Tuam facility. University Awards Day on Saturday 8 February. The seminar focussed on terms of reference for theThese inquiry. are: Aoife Barry, Ciara Corless. Moloney, The keynote speaker was Tuam historian, Catherine Mark Kelly from the Irish Council of Civil Liberties Brendan O’Connor andchaired Rachel the event, while Professor Michael O’Flaherty, Kevin Higgins, Sweeney for their 1st year solicitor, and Tanya Children’s Rights Alliance results and Katie Fallon and PicturedWard (left to from right): the also spoke. Subsequently, in January 2015,Hayes the Government Jacqueline for their 2nd Brendan O’Connor, published ofand reference thatyear generally Rachelterms Sweeney Aoife Barry results.accord with what was called for at the seminar. - Dr. Noelle Higgins ICHR ACTIVITIES PAGE32 PAGE IRISH CENTRE FOR HUMAN RIGHTS WINS TOP EU RIGHTS CONTRACT regional settings. ICHR tofor Renmore Barracks in Galway States. The ICHR/ICCL project Mark Kelly, the Director of the Irish The Irishvisit Centre Human Rights (ICHR) member of NUI Galway, in close collaboration has assembled a team of Ireland’s Council for Civil Liberties, said: “We The debate addressed issues of quality of healthcare in Ireland with project partner, the Irish Council leading human rights and social science are delighted to have this opportunity raised institutions by Dr. Adam McAuley (Dublin University, to work withCity the ICHR toLecturer) ensureand that for Civil Liberties (ICCL), has won a experts, located at academic legal aspects of implementation the right to health in Ireland by the EU’s ofFundamental Rights Agency major EU contract for Irish Law and and in civil society. Des Hogan (Solicitor, Ph.D. Candidate, Trinity College Dublin). has legally accurate and up-to-date Social Data Research and will become information about the state of human Ireland’s new national focal point for the Natalya Pestova (Ph.D.rights Candidate, Irish Centre forlook Human Rights)to in Ireland. We also forward European Union Fundamental Rights highlighted links between health inequalities for disadvantaged spreading the word about the important Agency (FRA). This is the first time that groups in Russia and access to healthcare as a human rights issue. evidence-based research published by the prestigious FRANET-Ireland contract the FRA.” for data collection and research services Dr. Brigit Toebes addressed the privatisation of healthcare on fundamental rights issues in Ireland services in Netherlands and introduction of aon system of regulated Research will focus a number of thehas been awarded to an Irish Universitycompetition from the perspective of the right to health. On the 30th of October 2013 staff and postgraduate students from Professor Michael O’Flaherty, who matic areas. These include: access to led consortium. the ICHR LL.M. and Ph.D. programmes visited the Irish Defence becomes the FRANET Senior Expert justice; victims of crime, including comSondus Hassounah (research assistant,WHO Collaborating Centre) for Ireland, “We are very pensation to victims; respect for private FRANET is Infantry the FRA’s multidisciplinary Forces First Battalion at Renmore Barracks in Galway.commented: The highlighted challenges of meeting the right to health and public pleased take research network. is composed of and visit was organized by It Professor Ray Murphy, allowedto staff andon this contract that life and protection of personal data; health perspectives, and the effort of the WHO research team contractors in each EUto Member State will students the opportunity hear presentations from generate members ofcrucial findings for the Roma integration; judicial cooperation; under the guidance Professor Rawaf (Director, WHOasyof Salman the child; discrimination; strengthening of fundamental rights of rights who provide relevant data to FRA on the Defence Forces. ‘marry‘ their indicators criteria. Their lum, immigration and and borders; racism, the EU. WeCentre) are to fundamental rights issues, to facilitate in Ireland and across Collaborating was based on comparative the Arab xenophobia and figures relatedfrom intolerance. partner with the the Agency’s comparative analyses. particularly pleased topresentation Presenters included Lt. Col. Richard Brennan BL on the Legal top specialists to This work of the FRA then informs EU ICCL and with Ireland’sworld. Nexus in Peace Support Operations, Lt Col. Mark Hearns on the policy and initiatives across the EU undertake this groundbreaking work.” UNMIS mission in Syria, and Comdt. Trevor Ging on the ISAF Katherine Heuss (Ms student, University of Edinburgh) in her mission in Afghanistan, among others. While on the visit, the group presentation on the challenge of the access of huge numbers of had the opportunity to learn first hand about the weapons and refugees to healthcare in‘’JUDGES, Lebanon triggered a discussion HUMAN RIGHTS CINEMA AT THE IRISH BOOK LAUNCH LAW ANDon the equipment employed by the Defence Forces and their relevance to core obligations of central government versus obligations of the CENTRE FOR HUMAN RIGHTS WAR: THE JUDICIAL DEVELOPMENT OF international humanitarian law and peace operations. international community to assist the state to fulfil its duties on INTERNATIONAL HUMANITARIAN the right to health. The book “Implementing the Right toLAW’’ Health: - Amina Adanan BY DR. SHANE A Multi-Country Study ofDARCY Law, Policy and Practice” is due to be published by TMC Asser Press / Springer in 2014. For more The Irish Centre for Huinformation see http://www.rug.nl/staff/b.c.a.toebes/abc.pdf. Expert Meeting on the Right to Health man Rights hosted the book - Natalia Pestova launch of Dr. Darcy’s book ‘’Judges, Law and War: The Judicial Development of International Humanitarian Law” Anne Cadwallader at ICHR in October2014. A Seminar ‘Implementing the right to health’ was held at the Irish Centre for Human Rights on the 24th of August. The group of academics andaresearchers from different onthe a Once a week movie is screened in thecountries, seminarworking room of Irish Centre for Human Thepractice movies of are used by human multi-country study of law,Rights. policy and implementation rights defenders raise human of the right to healthto under theawareness leadership ofabout Dr. Brigit Toebesrights violations all over ofthe world. These moviemet screenings (Lecturer, University Groningen, Netherlands), in Galway also reflect on time. the art of cinematography, a of potentially powerful for the first Participants from the fields legal, political and universal language for communicating knowledge. public health science engaged in discussion on the current issues and challenges of implementation of the right in domestic and Everybody is welcomed to participate in these film screenings: every Thursday at 7:00 p.m. Danica Finger (Germany) Justice Teresa Doherty and Professor Michael O’Flaherty joined the well-wishers, along with students, staff and family members. The book examines how judicial bodies have influenced the substantive rules and principles of the law of armed conflict, and studies the creation, application and enforcement of this corpus of laws. the development of international humanitarian law and mines a rich source of jurisprudence from international courts and tribunals as well as from domestic courts from the aftermath of the Second Anne Cadwallader from thehow Pat Finucane author of the to World Centre, War right through Dr. Darcy demonstrates the adate of lecture publication. best-selling book “Lethal of Allies”, public on Tuesday profound the influence ju- gave 4th ofdecisions March. She wasbeen accompanied by Margaret Urwin of “Justice dicial has on for the Forgotten”, which campaigns for victims in the Republic. Why did you choose the ICHR? - Jia Wang Why did you choose theCentre ICHR? A colleague of mine told me about the during anIn internship in Geneva for a human 2012 I spent a short study abroad in Galway and it was then that I discovered how much I rights NGO. Thethe choice of courses liked Centre, the and factitsthat it specialises in humanscholars rights andat thethe highUniversity quality of teaching University Awards Day content were particularly to me.University of Washington in Seattle, I also liked the small community staff. Comingappealing from a huge How do youfeeling like studying at the ICHR? Six BA with Human Rights at the Centre. I love it. The level of expertise of the professors students were announced is unique. I also like the fact that seminars as university scholars at the How did you like it at the Centre? are offered here rather than lectures, which allows for more Awards on reallyI appreciate enjoy it here. I like the great atmosphere and all the great eventsUniversity that take place,Day various discussion and interaction. IFinally, the constant Saturday 8 February. These seminars all throughout the semester, and the Human Rights Cinema for example. accessibility of the professors. are: Aoife Barry, Ciara Moloney, What do you consider as most beneficial so far in the LL.M. programme? Brendan O’Connor and Rachel What you consider as most beneficial so far in the LL.M. programme? I have certainly benefitted from thedo exchange with the lecturers. Sweeney for their I was able to deepen my knowledge through essays specific bring from the field, various field trips, guest The experience the on lecturers lectures and 1st year results and Fallon and (left to it right): issues. USA/Bosnia Moreover, I think that thediversity Centre is well-connected Jovana, the of my fellowdue students – a combination Pictured of all makes a wonderful andKatie unique Brendan O’Connor, Jacqueline Hayes for their 2nd to the high number of guestexperience. speakers and I have thus gained Rachel Sweeney and Aoife Barry year results. fascinating insight into a multitude of issues. - Dr. Noelle Higgins ICHR ACTIVITIES LUNCHTIME SEMINAR ICHR visit to Renmore Barracks WITH CLAUDIA PAZ Y PAZ ONin Galway JUSTICE FOR GENOCIDE & VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN IN GUATAMALA access to justice. She established a special court to try femicide and other violent crimes against women. Dr. Paz y Paz came under severe criticism and pressure from the political elites in Guatemala, and was forced from office a number of months On the 30th of October 2013 staff and ago.postgraduate students from the ICHR LL.M. and Ph.D. programmes visited the Irish Defence Forces First Infantry Battalion at Renmore Barracks that in Galway. The She stressed the next visit was organized by Professor Rayfew Murphy, and allowed staff and months are critical for students the opportunity to hear presentations members of Guatemalafrom as its politicians choose not only the next the Defence Forces. attorney general, but also toBLserve the highPresenters included Lt. Col. Richardjudges Brennan on theinLegal – the supreme Nexus in Peace Support Operations,est Lt courts Col. Mark Hearns on theand courts UNMIS mission in Syria, and Comdt.constitutional Trevor Ging on the ISAF – and the While electoral commission. In her very interesting talk,others. mission in Afghanistan, among on the visit, the group she described her close in- These high-ranking judicial had the opportunity to learn first hand about the weapons and volvement in the Rios Montt positions will largely deterequipment employed the Defence Forceswhether and their relevance to mine Guatemala trial, and her role in by strengthinternational law and continues peace operations. to move forward ening the humanitarian justice system and ensuring that victims of on justice and accountability, - Amina Adanan human rights abuses have or goes backwards. The Irish Centre for Human Rights was very pleased to welcome Guatamala’s first female – and reputedly most effective – attorney general, Dr. Claudia Paz y Paz. Expert Meeting on the Right to Health PAGE42 PAGE LUNCHTIME SEMINAR regional settings. WITH IRYNA KHALIP ON The debate addressedMEDIA issues of quality of healthcare in Ireland BELARUSIAN REPRESSION raised by Dr. Adam McAuley (Dublin City University, Lecturer) and Inlegal November of implementation 2014 the Belarusian journalist andin2013 PEN aspects of of the right to health Ireland by Writer of Courage Recipient Trinity Iryna College Khalip Dublin). gave a very Des Hogan (Solicitor,Award Ph.D. Candidate, interesting overview of the human rights situation in Belarus, on the right to freedom of expression and for theHuman barriers that Natalya Pestova (Ph.D. Candidate, Irish Centre Rights) she had to face a journalist. highlighted linksas between health inequalities for disadvantaged groups in Russia and access to healthcare as a human rights issue. Dr. Brigit Toebes addressed the privatisation of healthcare services in Netherlands and introduction of a system of regulated competition from the perspective of the right to health. Sondus Hassounah (research assistant,WHO Collaborating Centre) highlighted challenges of meeting the right to health and public health perspectives, and the effort of the WHO research team under the guidance of Professor Salman Rawaf (Director, WHO Collaborating Centre) to ‘marry‘ their indicators and criteria. Their presentation was based on comparative figures from the Arab world. Her very personal and emotional insights gave a real understanding how (Ms journalists are forced to either accept KatherineofHeuss student, University of Edinburgh) in her the status quo, such as state indoctrination and monopolization presentation on the challenge of the access of huge numbers of of freedom of speech, or participate actively in human rights refugees tothrough healthcare Lebanon triggered discussion the protection theinmedium of press.aIryna spokeonabout core obligations of central government versus obligations of the her times in prison, her separation from family, but also the international community to assist the state to fulfil its duties on support she received from different countries. In her concluthe right to health. book “Implementing the Right to Health: ding remarks she The recalled the strong support she received A Multi-Country Study of Law, Policy and Practice” is due to be from Irish civil society. published by TMC Asser Press / Springer in 2014. For more information see http://www.rug.nl/staff/b.c.a.toebes/abc.pdf. - Natalia Pestova Why did you choose the ICHR? I did my LLB here and I was impressed by the LL.M. programme- finally, an informative event at the School of Law of NUI Galway gave the decisive inputCadwallader for me to enroll in LL.M. programme. Anne atthe ICHR How did you like it at the Centre? I liked it a lot. The guest lectures are thrilling and well organized. The extra events, and the small setting at the Centre: it all gives a very personal atmosphere. What do you consider as most beneficial so far in the LL.M. programme? The different perspective offered from the field and academia is a key characteristic at the ICHR. A Seminar ‘Implementing the right to health’ was held at the Irish Centre for Human Rights on the 24th of August. The group of academics and researchers from different countries, working on a multi-country study of law, policy and practice of implementation LUNCHTIME LUNCHTIME SEMINAR of the right to health SEMINAR under the leadership of Dr. Brigit Toebes WITH AHMAD ON WITH DR. VERNE HARRIS ON (Lecturer,WESAM University of Groningen, Netherlands), met in Galway for the first time. Participants the fields of legal, political and HUMAN RIGHTS INfrom PALESTINE ‘POST-APARTHEID, POST-MANDELA’ public health science engaged in discussion on the current issues Anne Cadwallader from the Pat Finucane Centre, author of the Wesam Ahmadofgave a seminar at theright IrishinCentre forand Human Dr. Verne Harris came to and challenges implementation of the domestic best-selling book “Lethal Allies”, gave a public lecture on Tuesday Rights on the topic of business and human rights in Palestine Galway in November of 2014 of March. was accompanied by Margaret Urwin of “Justice in November of 2014. Wesam is a graduate of the LL.M. in to4threflect onShe South-Africa’s Danica Finger (Germany) for the Forgotten”, which for victims in the Republic. Human Rights at the Irish Centre for Human Rights and is cur- past and future. As hecampaigns was rently head of the Why legal and advocacy department the Director of Research didresearch you choose the ICHR? - Jia Wang A colleague of mine told me the Centre NGO and Archive at the Nelson at Al-Haq, Ramallah/Palestine. Al-Haq is aabout Palestinian during an internship in Geneva forlaw, a human that documents violations of international promotes Mandela Foundation from rights NGO. The choicethe of courses its and ad- 2004 until 2013, he also rule ofand law, University scholars at the University Awards Day content were particularly appealing me. vocates for tohuman and offered an insight into the rights. role of documentation and How do you like studyinghumanitarian at the ICHR? Six BA with Human Rights The organization I love it. The level of expertise of the professorswas memorialization of the past. students were announced is unique. I also like the fact that seminars founded in 1979, and is He encouraged our students as university scholars at the are offered here rather than lectures, which allows for of more an affiliate the Inter- to engage in a free and University Awards Day on discussion and interaction. Finally, I appreciate the Commission constant national of critical discussion about the Saturday 8 February. These accessibility of the professors. Jurists. In his introduc- reconciliation processes. are:Dr. Aoife Barry, Ciara Moloney, life. Harris was optimistic tion, elaborated What do you consider as most beneficial so far in theWesam LL.M. programme? Brendan O’Connor and Rachel regarding the future, as he how with Al-Haq makes use His work for the ‘centre I have certainly benefitted from the exchange the lecturers. Sweeney for their 1st year recognized that South Africa I was able to deepen my knowledge through essays on specific of the developing area of business and human rights to chal- for memory’ was specially learning the recent and from Katie Fallon and to right): isresults Moreover, I think that the is well-connected due lengeissues. corporate involvement in Centre violations of international law mandated byPictured Pres. (left Nelson mistakes. Jacqueline Hayes for their 2nd Brendan O’Connor, to the high number of guest speakers and I have thus gained through different mechanisms, utilizing hard and soft law at Mandela to continue after his Rachel Sweeney and Aoife Barry year results. fascinating insight into a multitude of issues. the national and international level. disappearance from public - Dr. Noelle Higgins Caitrina, Ireland ICHR ACTIVITIES ICHR visit to Renmore SHORTBarracks NEWSin Galway Dr. Shane Darcy was invited to join the Editorial Board, Business and Human Rights Journal (Cambridge University Press) and also spoke at the Symposium: Law, Conflicts and the Role of Courts, Geneva Academy / CERAH, Geneva, 8th of October 2014. He spoke at the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, 14th Annual NGO Forum on Human Rights on ‘Use of the Guiding Principles by UN Human Rights Mechanisms’, Dublin Castle, 10th of November 2014 and delivered a number lectures on the publication of his book ‘Judges, Law and War: The Judicial Development of International Humanitarian Law’: TJI Seminar Series, Transitional Justice Institute, University of Ulster, 13th of October 2014 / School of InOn the 30th of October 2013 staff and postgraduate students from ternational Studies Seminars, University of Trento, Italy, 11th of theNovember ICHR LL.M.2014 and/Ph.D. programmes visited theofIrish Defence2014 University of Liverpool, 18th November Forces First Infantry Battalion at Renmore Barracks in Galway. The / University College London, 20th of November 2014 / University visit organized by Professor Ray Murphy, and allowed staff and ofwas Sussex, Brighton, 21st of November 2014. students the opportunity to hear presentations from members of the Defence Forces. Professor Michael O’Flaherty was a plenary speaker at the Council Presenters Lt. Col. Brennan BL on the Legal of Europeincluded Conference on Richard “Freedom of Expression in International Law in and the Protection of Journalists”, Strasbourg on 2nd of NoNexus Peace Support Operations, Lt Col. Mark Hearns on the vember 2014.inOn the and 3rd of November participated in the UN UNMIS mission Syria, Comdt. Trevorhe Ging on the ISAF Inter Agency on the safety journalists also took in mission in Afghanistan, amongofothers. Whilethat on the visit, theplace group On the of first November, he chaired a panel and on LGBTI hadStrasbourg. the opportunity to 6th learn hand about the weapons Rights inemployed Development, Dublin. On the of November he equipment by theTCD, Defence Forces and8th their relevance to delivered the keynote address at the Annual Meeting of the Irish international humanitarian law and peace operations. Association of Law Teachers, Kilkenny. - Amina Adanan From the 17th to 20th of November, Professor O’Flaherty visited Monash University, Melbourne, in his capacity as a Holding Redlich Distinguished Visiting Fellow at the Castan Centre for Human Expert Meeting on the Right to Health Rights. During the visit he delivered a number of public lectures. Prof. O’Flaherty was a key note speaker at an international conference on The Right to Sexual Freedom, Equality and Gender Identity as a Site of Legal and Political Struggles, 11th to 12th of December 2014, in Oslo. The aim of the conference was to explore how the conception of gender as social, plural and luid is negotiated in international, regional and national legal discourses. The conference brought together researchers and decisions makers to explore, discuss and develop this field of study. A Seminar ‘Implementing the right to health’ was held at the Irish Professor Ray Murphy participated in August. FebruaryThe of 2014 Centre for Human Rights on the 24th of groupinofa training programme for Palestinian lawyers in relation to investigating academics and researchers from different countries, working on a crimes within the jurisdiction of the International Criminal Court multi-country study of law, policy and practice of implementation and also participated in an NUI Galway Literary and Debating Sociof the right to on health under theofleadership Dr. Brigit Toebes ety debate the question Israel and of Palestine. (Lecturer, University of Groningen, Netherlands), met in Galway for He thejoined first time. Participants from the fields of legal, political andon an international research and policy-advice project public healthReturn science in discussion on the current issues Europe’s to engaged UN Peacekeeping and presented a paper at a andsymposium challengeson ofthe implementation theUniversity right in domestic and subject at the of Free of Brussels during September of 2014. Also in September, Professor Murphy was invited to make aDanica joint submission the current High-Level IndeFingerto(Germany) pendent Panel on Peace Operations chaired by Jose Ramos-Horta Why didthe youstate chooseofthe ICHR? of Timor-Leste to review peacekeeping operations and A colleague of mine told me about theInternational Centre special political missions. He participated in the 22nd during for a human Investigators Course withan theinternship InstituteinofGeneva International Criminal Inrights NGO. TheOctober choice of2014. courses and its Murphy vestigators in The Hague during Professor were particularly appealing War to me. presented a paper content on Challenges to Contemporary Crimes InHow do you like studying at Investigators the ICHR? vestigations at the International Forensic Conference I love The and level also of expertise of the professors in Korea in October of it. 2014 participated in the Justice is unique. I alsoheld like the factsame that seminars Rapid Response Training Course at the time. In October are offered here rather than lectures, which allows more UniversiProfessor Murphy participated in a debate at thefor Dublin and interaction. Finally, I appreciate the constant ty,discussion Trinity College Philosophical Society on command responsibility accessibility of orders. the professors. and disobeying What do you consider as most beneficial so far in the LL.M. programme? have certainly from the exchange with lecturers.under In IDecember of benefitted 2014 he presented a paper onthe detainees I was able tohumanitarian deepen my knowledge specific international law andthrough Islamicessays law aton a conference on issues. Moreover, I think that the is well-connected due Use of Force – Investigations in Centre Civil and Military Confl ict, Leeds to the high UK. number of guest speakers and I have thus gained Law School, fascinating insight into a multitude of issues. PAGE52 PAGE ADVOCACY regional settings. PROJECT ON BEHALF OF THE MANDAEAN TheHUMAN debate addressed issues of quality of healthcare in Ireland RIGHTS GROUP raised by Dr. Adam McAuley (Dublin City University, Lecturer) and legal aspects of implementation of the right to health in Ireland by Des Hogan (Solicitor, Ph.D. Candidate, Trinity College Dublin). The Mandaeans are an indigenous people of Iraq and Iran Natalya Pestova (Ph.D. Candidate, Irish Centre for Human Rights) numbering about 60,000 individuals. Along with other highlighted links between for disadvantaged minorities in Iraq, theyhealth haveinequalities suffered extreme persecution groups in Russia and access to healthcare as human rights issue. since 2003. The majority of Mandaeans ahave now left Iraq, and are scattered around the world, leaving only a few Dr. Brigit Toebes addressed the privatisation of healthcare thousand Mandaeans in their ancient homeland. They services in Netherlands introduction a system regulated continue to suffer and persecution inofIraq, and ofMandaean competition from the perspective of the right to health. refugees struggle to maintain their identity as refugees in Syria, the Middle East,assistant,WHO and scattered throughout the Sondus Hassounah (research Collaborating Centre) rest of the world. highlighted challenges of meeting the right to health and public health and the McMurry, effort of the WHO research PhDperspectives, candidate Nicholas a partner in the team research under the guidance of Professor Salman Rawaf (Director, WHO consultancy Shared Insight, assisted the Mandaean Collaborating Centre)Group to ‘marry‘ indicators and criteria.toTheir Human Rights in their making a submission the presentation basedReview on comparative figures from the2014, Arab and Universal was Periodic of Iraq in February world. accompanied members of the MHRG to Geneva in October and November to carry out Katherine Heuss (Mswork. student, University of Edinburgh) in her their advocacy This presentation on the challenge of the access of huge numbers of work contributed to the refugees to healthcare in Lebanon development of the Irish triggered a discussion on the core obligationstoofthe central government versus obligations of the statement UPR, but also enabled the to MHRG international community assist the state to fulfil its duties on key thetoorganise right to health. Themeetings book “Implementing the Right to Health: through theStudy assistance of and Practice” is due to be A Multi-Country of Law, Policy Nicholas and Asser fellow ICHR published by TMC Press / Springer in 2014. For more LL.M. graduate, Matthew Nicholas McMurry with Yuhanna Neshmi, information see http://www.rug.nl/staff/b.c.a.toebes/abc.pdf. Brikha Nasoraia, DeputyMinister Abdul McEvoy. Kareem Shallal and an aide. - Natalia Pestova Meetings were held with Abdul Kareem Shallal, the Iraqi Deputy Minister for Human Rights, Rouida El Hage the OHCHR co-ordinator for and oicers representing the Anne Cadwallader atIraq ICHR Freedom of Religion and Minority Rights mandates, and a number of NGOs. These ongoing contacts will enable the MHRG to report on ongoing crimes against the Mandaean community, arrange for humanitarian assistance for Mandaean refugees, and to continue to advocate on behalf of the Mandaean community in Iraq and around the world. The expenses for the work were generously supplied by Irish Quaker Faith in Action. Why did you choose Anne Cadwallader from the Pat Finucane Centre, author of the the ICHR? best-selling book “Lethal Allies”, gave a public lecturelast on Tuesday I have graduated 4th of March. She was accompanied Margaret Urwin of “Justice Junebyand my Professor in for the Forgotten”, which campaigns forProfessor victims in Vincenzo the Republic. Italy, Buonomo, encouraged- Jia meWang to do my LL.M. at the Irish Centre for Human Rights. Beatrice, Italy University scholars at the University Awards Day How did you like it at the Centre? Six BA Human Rights It is completely different from mywith undergraduate students were announced studies in Italy! Here, I feel more engaged and as university scholarswith at the intellectually stimulated. I have more contact University Awards Day on my professors and feel as part of the community. Saturday 8 February. These are: Aoife Barry, Moloney, What do you consider as most benefi cialCiara so far Brendan O’Connor and Rachel in the LL.M. programme? Sweeney for their 1st year Meeting all my fellow students from all parts of Pictured (left to right): results and Katie Fallon and the world. Brendan O’Connor, Jacqueline Hayes for their 2nd Rachel Sweeney and Aoife Barry year results. - Dr. Noelle Higgins ICHR ACTIVITIES PROF. RAY MURPHY APPOINTED TO ICHR visit Renmore Barracks in Galway THE IRISHtoHUMAN RIGHTS AND EQUALITY COMMISSION is to provide stronger protection and promotion of human rights and equality, and to grow a culture of respect for human rights, equality and intercultural understanding in Ireland. The Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission has new and stronger legal On the 30th of October 2013 staff and postgraduate students from powers, for example, to the ICHR LL.M. and Ph.D. programmes visited the Irish Defence on make recommendations Forces First Infantry Battalion at Renmore Barracks in Galway. The legislation; to act as amicus visit was organized by Professor Raycuriae Murphy, allowed staff and or and ‘friend of the Court’; students the opportunity to hear presentations of to offer from legalmembers assistance to people who have been the Defence Forces. discriminated against or who Presenters included Lt. Col. Richardexperience Brennan BL onhuman the Legalrights Human rightsSupport and equality Nexus in Peace Operations,violations. Lt Col. Mark Hearns on the are that and apply UNMISstandards mission in Syria, Comdt. Trevor Ging on the ISAF universally. The basis for The Commission also has mission in Afghanistan, among others. While on the visit, the group the new Commission has its powers to undertake inquihad the opportunity to learn first hand about the weapons and ries, educate and promote origins in the Good Friday/ equipment employed by the Defence Forces and their relevance to Belfast Agreement and is equality and human rights international humanitarian peace operations. in engagement a requirement north law andand compliance sosouth of the island of Ireland. with public bodies, - Aminacivil Adanan The role of this Commission, ciety and members of the as outlined in the legislation, public. Prof. Ray Murphy was appointed to the new body that unites the Irish Human Rights Commission and the Equality Authority at a time after years of austerity where equality and human rights were not always at the forefront of public debate. Expert Meeting on the Right to Health PAGE62 PAGE regional settings. Current position: I am currently interning The debate addressed issuesatofthe quality of healthcare in Ireland Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs. raised by Dr. Adam McAuley (Dublin City University, Lecturer) and I started last September, and will legal aspects of implementation of the right to health in Ireland by finish in February. In February Des Hogan (Solicitor, Ph.D. Candidate, I will then start an internship at Trinity College Dublin). the Dutch Red Cross, at the Natalya Pestova (Ph.D. Candidate, Irish Centre for Human Rights) vhumanitarian law division. highlighted links between health inequalities for disadvantaged groups in Russia and access to healthcare as aDianne humanKeur, rights issue. LL.M. graduate 2014 Role: Dr. Brigit the Toebes addressed the privatisation of healthcare Within Ministry of Foreign Affairs I work at the Security where I focus on and services in Department, Netherlands and introduction of asecurity system of regulated defence policy regarding NATO, OSCE the EU. competition from the perspective of the rightand to health. A highlight of my time at the Ministry so far was to Sondus assistant,WHO Collaborating Centre) attendHassounah the NATO (research Ministerial Council in Brussels at the highlighted of meeting thehow rightinternational to health and public beginningchallenges of this month. Seeing law is woven into domestic multinational politics is truly health perspectives, and theand effort of the WHO research team intriguing. under the guidance of Professor Salman Rawaf (Director, WHO Collaborating Centre) to ‘marry‘ their indicators and criteria. Their How the Centre helped: presentation was based on comparative figures from the Arab The ICHR has been very helpful. Professors and students world. were always willing to discuss the possible career options after the University LL.M. Students have been Katherine Heussfinishing (Ms student, of Edinburgh) in her great in sharing networks, professors have of presentation on thetheir challenge of the and access of huge numbers been very kind in writing the crucial recommendation refugees to healthcare in Lebanon triggered a discussion on the letters. core obligations of central government versus obligations of the international community to assist the state to fulfil its duties on the right to health. The bookTO “Implementing the Right to Health: CONGRATULATIONS VALENTINA AZAROV A Multi-Country Study of Law, Policy and Practice” is due to be Many congratulations Valentina Azarov published by TMC AssertoPress / Springer in 2014. For more on the successful defence of her PhD information see http://www.rug.nl/staff/b.c.a.toebes/abc.pdf. thesis at the Irish Centre for Human - Natalia Pestova Rights. Her topic was: ‘Illegal Territoriality in International Law: The Interaction and Enforcement of the Law of Belligerent Occupation through other Territorial Anne Cadwallader at ICHR Regimes’. CONGRATULATIONS TO MARGARET CONNERAN A Seminar ‘Implementing the right to health’ was held at the Irish Centre for Human Rights on the 24th of August. The group of academics and researchers from different countries, working on a multi-country study of law, policy and practice of implementation of the right to health under the leadership of Dr. Brigit Toebes Emily Smartt,of 3rd year BA Connect and Human (Lecturer, University Groningen, Netherlands), met inRights Galway for the first time. Participants from the fields of legal, political and In late September I left Dublin to studyoninthe thecurrent University public health science engaged in discussion issues CaliforniaofSanta Cruz. I wasn’t quite sure what it would andofchallenges implementation of the right in domestic and be like studying human rights in another university but I was ready to give it a try. I lived on campus in an Danica Finger (Germany) international living centre with more than 100 students, Why the did you choose the ICHR? part of the whole which was probably most beneficial A colleague mineinternational told me about the Centre experience for me. Living ofwith students, during an internship in Geneva for a human many of whom were studying politics, and getting to rights NGO. The choice of courses and its hear their ideas content and opinions on different issues, were particularly appealing to me.even some relating to the human rights situation in Ireland, How do you like studying at the ICHR? was really refreshing. The classes I took while there I love it. The level of expertise of the professors ranged from a module Intercultural Understanding is unique.on I also like the fact that seminars toare a offered module titled Mayorswhich Saveallows the World?” here rather“Can than lectures, for more The discussion andmore interaction. Finally, Ithan appreciate constantrights classes had students the the human accessibility of theand professors. classes in NUIG this lead to diverse and sometimes Whatheated do you consider as most beneficial so far in the LL.M. programme? very debates. I have certainly benefitted from the exchange with the lecturers. was able to deepen experience my knowledge getting through essays on specific It Iwas a fantastic to study human issues. Moreover, I think that the Centre is well-connected due rights in UCSC, which prides itself on being the “original to the high number of guest speakers and I have thus gained authority on questioning authority”. fascinating insight into a multitude of issues. Congratulations to Margaret Conneran, who participated in the BA Connect with Human Rights programme. Margaret was awarded a Certificate in Academic and Civic Studies in October 2014. Pictured are Margaret Conneran and Professor Michael O’Flaherty. Anne Cadwallader from the Pat Finucane Centre, author of the PROFESSOR O’FLAHERTY ASSUMING best-selling book “Lethal Allies”, gave a public lecture on Tuesday 4th of March. She wasCHAIRPERSON accompanied by Margaret Urwin of “Justice POSITION AS OF THE for the Forgotten”, whichREFORM campaigns for TRUST victims in the Republic. IRISH PRISON - Jia Wang During November 2014, Professor O’Flaherty assumed the position of Chairperson of the Irish Prison Reform Trust (IPRT). Established in 1994, the IPRT is Ireland’s leading University scholars at thecampaigning Universityfor Awards non-governmental organisation rights inDay the penal system and the progressiveSix reform of Irish penal poliBA with Human Rights cy. It publishes a wide range of policy positions and research students were announced documents and campaigns vigorously on penal policy issues. as university scholars at the UniversityFor Awards Day on more Saturday information 8 February. These are: Aoifevisit: Barry, Ciara Moloney, Brendan O’Connor and Rachel Sweeney www.iprt.ie for their 1st year Pictured (left to right): results and Katie Fallon and Brendan O’Connor, Jacqueline Hayes for their 2nd Rachel Sweeney and Aoife Barry year results. - Dr. Noelle Higgins ICHR ACTIVITIES PAGE72 PAGE regionalTHE settings. SCHOOL OF LAW-HUMAN RIGHTS NEWS FROM ICHR visit to Renmore Barracks in Galway DR. IOANNA TOURKOCHORITI JOINED THE ACADEMIC STAFF OF THE SCHOOL OF LAW IN JANUARY OF THIS YEAR Dr. Tourkochoriti is a legal scholar working in the field of human rights, constitutional law, comparative/international law, philosophy of law, political and moral philosophy. She is On the 30th of October 2013 staff and postgraduate from currently working students on a book the ICHR LL.M. and Ph.D. programmes visited the Irish Defence project comparing U.S. and E.U. Forces First Infantry Battalion at Renmore BarracksDiscrimination in Galway. The Employment visit was organized by Professor Ray and allowed staff held and Law.Murphy, For eight years she research and Faculty students the opportunity to hear various presentations from members of appointments at Harvard the Defence Forces. University. Presenters included Lt. Col. Richard Brennan BL on the Legal Dr. Tourkochoriti wasOperations, a Fellow Lt at Col. theMark Labor andon Worklife Nexus in Peace Support Hearns the Program at Harvard Law School and a Lecturer on Law and UNMIS mission in Syria, and Comdt. Trevor Ging on the ISAF Social Studies at the Committee on Degrees in Social Studies mission in Afghanistan, among others. While on the visit, the group at Harvard University. She has also been a Visiting Professor hadthe theDepartment opportunity to hand about the weapons and at oflearn Law first at Carleton University, Canada. equipment employed by the Defence Forces and their relevance to international humanitarian law and peace operations. LL.M. IN PUBLIC LAW CONFERENCE ON - Amina Adanan DIGNITY, DETENTION AND THE STATE The LL.M. in Public Law convened a conference entitled ‘Public Expert Meeting on and thethe Right toinHealth Law: Dignity, Detention State’ October of 2014. Current students of the LL.M. in Public Law and students from the Irish Centre for Human Rights and the Centre for Disability Law and Policy attended. The speakers were Judge Michael Reilly, Inspector of Prisons, Grainne McMorrow SC and Michael O’Neill, the Head of Legal Afairs for the Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission. Judge Reilly’s paper highlighted many instances where the dignity of prisoners was not respected. He noted that the families of prisoners should not have to endure “salacious” and “self-serving” media commentary about their loved A Seminar ‘Implementing the right to health’ was held at the Irish ones and their conditions in jail. He also commented on Centre for HumaninRights on thePrison, 24th ofsuch August. group of improvements Mountjoy as The in-cell sanitation, academics andup researchers fromindifferent since he took his position 2008. countries, working on a multi-country study of law, policy and practice of implementation of the right to health under theCounsel, leadership of Dr. BrigitofToebes Gráinne McMorrow Senior a graduate the School (Lecturer, University Groningen, Netherlands), met inofGalway of Law, NUI Galway,ofspoke about her experience setting up for the first time. Participants from the of legal, and the Commission of Investigation intofields the Death ofpolitical Gary Douch. She provided the audience insights into thecurrent challenges public health science engagedwith in discussion on the issuesin conducting such an investigation andright discussed the and findings and challenges of implementation of the in domestic and recommendations made in her Report. Danica Finger (Germany) Michael O’Neill, Head of Legal Affairs for the Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission and a former Jean Monnet Why did you(GSOC) choose the ICHR? colleague of mine me about the Centrespoke Lecturer in EU LawAat the School oftold Law, NUI Galway, internship in Genevadeaths for a human about the role of during GSOCanin investigating in Garda rights NGO. The choice of courses and its 2 of the custody and the relevant jurisprudence on Article content were particularly European Convention on Human Rights.appealing to me. The debate addressed issues of quality of healthcare in Ireland Speakers from theMcAuley School(Dublin of Law Mary and Keys raised by Dr. Adam Cityincluded University,Dr. Lecturer) who about the role of the Mental Health legalspoke aspects of implementation of the right to healthCommission in Ireland by inDes ensuring the human rights of persons in mental Hogan (Solicitor, Ph.D. Candidate, Trinity detained College Dublin). health services and Dr. Ciara Smyth who spoke about the Direct Provision system for asylum-seekers. Natalya Pestova (Ph.D. Candidate, Irish Centre for Human Rights) highlighted links between health inequalities for disadvantaged groups in Russia and access to healthcare as a human rights issue. Dr. Brigit Toebes addressed the privatisation of healthcare services in Netherlands and introduction of a system of regulated competition from the perspective of the right to health. Sondus Hassounah (research assistant,WHO Collaborating Centre) highlighted challenges of meeting the right to health and public health perspectives, and the effort of the WHO research team under the guidance of Professor Salman Rawaf (Director, WHO Collaborating Centre) to ‘marry‘ their indicators and criteria. Their presentation was based on comparative figures from the Arab world. Katherine Heuss (Ms student, University of Edinburgh) in her presentation on the challenge the Support access ofUnit hugeMountjoy numbers of A cell in theofLow jail. refugees to healthcare in Lebanon triggered a discussion onTimes the Photo: David Sleator/The Irish core obligations of central government versus obligations of the international community to assist the state to fulfil its duties on MAJOR ERC FUNDING SUCCESS FOR the right to health. The book “Implementing the Right to Health: DR. EILIONÓIR FLYNN A Multi-Country Study of Law, Policy and Practice” is due to be published byFlynn, TMC Asser Press / Springer in 2014. For more Dr. Eilionóir Acting Director of the Centre for Disability information see http://www.rug.nl/staff/b.c.a.toebes/abc.pdf. Law & Policy and Associate Head of Research for the School of Law, has been approved by the European Research - NataliaCouncil Pestova (ERC) for approximately €900,000 funding for her VOICES project. Anne Cadwallader at ICHR The VOICES project aims visible the author experiences Anne Cadwallader from the to Patmake Finucane Centre, of the of people with book disabilities have denied legal best-selling “Lethalwho Allies”, gavebeen a public lecture on capacity. Tuesday It4th willofinvolve a series of workshops where people with this March. She was accompanied by Margaret Urwin of “Justice lived experience be campaigns paired with legal scholars for the Forgotten”,will which forsocial victimsand in the Republic. to develop their narratives, and construct critical responses - Jia to these narratives, for inclusion in an edited collection atWang the end of the project. Particular themes to be addressed include criminal responsibility, consent, and contract law. The project will run for 3.5scholars years. University at the University Awards Day How do you like studying at the ICHR? Six BA with Human Rights I love it. The level of expertise of the professors students were announced is unique. I also like the fact that seminars as university scholars at the are offered here rather thandid lectures, which allows more Why you choose thefor ICHR? What do you consider University as most beneficial Awards Dayso on discussion and interaction. Finally, I appreciate constant The lecturers teachingthe here are from the field and far in the LL.M. programme? Saturday 8 February. These accessibility of the professors. their experience is of high value for my studies. are: Aoife Barry, Ciara Moloney, What do you consider as most beneficial so far in the LL.M. programme? The diversity of my fellow students is very Brendan O’Connor and Rachel I have certainly benefitted exchange withthe theCentre? lecturers. Howfrom didthe you like it at interesting and vibrant!Sweeney I get to for learn more their 1st year I was able to deepen Imy knowledge essays on specific like it a lot! through I like especially the guest lectures and about different culturesresults and backgrounds and Katie Fallon and Pictured (left to right): issues. Moreover, I think that the Centre is well-connected due the other events that take place at the Centre. thanks to theO’Connor, LL.M. programme. Jacqueline Hayes for their 2nd Brendan to the high number of guest speakers and I have thus gained Rachel Sweeney and Aoife Barry year results. fascinating insight into a multitude of issues. Heleen, Belgium - Dr. Noelle Higgins ICHR ACTIVITIES ICHR visit to Renmore Barracks inPosition: Galway Current Intern for the Human Rights Liaison Unit at UNHCR. Role: I attend and follow treaty body sessions and proceedings at the Human Rights Council. I’m responMara Lilley, LL.M. graduate 2014 sible for preparing On feedback the 30th ofon October staffto and postgraduate students these 2013 sessions assist colleagues in the from thefiICHR LL.M.internship and Ph.D. programmes visited the Irish Defence eld. This also involves undertaking legal Forces First Infantry Battalion at Renmore Barracks in Galway. The research on topics of relevance to UNHCR. visit was organized by Professor Ray Murphy, and allowed staff and students the opportunity to hear presentations from members of How the Centre helped: theThe Defence Forces. Centre drew my attention to the various opportu- nities available following graduation. The knowledge Presenters included Lt. Col. Richard the Legal gained through studying at theBrennan Centre BL hasongreatly Nexus in Peace Support Operations, Lt Col. Mark Hearns on the helped in practice. UNMIS mission in Syria, and Comdt. Trevor Ging on the ISAF mission in Afghanistan, among others. While on the visit, the group had the opportunity to learn first hand about the weapons and equipment employed by the Defence Forces and their relevance to GALWAY INTERNATIONAL SUMMER international humanitarian law and peace operations. SCHOOL ON THE ARTS AND HUMAN RIGHTS - Amina Adanan BELONGING - EXPLORING THE INTERSECTION BETWEEN THE ARTS AND HUMAN RIGHTS Expert Meeting on the Right to Health PAGE82 PAGE THE INTERNATIONAL CRIMINAL COURT regional settings. SUMMER SCHOOL 2015 The addressed issuesNUI of quality of healthcare TH debate 15 -19TH OF JUNE 2015, GALWAY, IRELANDin Ireland raised by Dr. Adam McAuley (Dublin City University, Lecturer) and legal aspects of implementation of the right to health in Ireland by Des Hogan (Solicitor, Ph.D. Candidate, Trinity College Dublin). Natalya Pestova (Ph.D. Candidate, Irish Centre for Human Rights) highlighted links between health inequalities for disadvantaged groups in Russia and access to healthcare as a human rights issue. Dr. Brigit Toebes addressed the privatisation of healthcare services in Netherlands and introduction of a system of regulated competition from the perspective of the right to health. The IrishHassounah Centre for(research Humanassistant,WHO Rights is pleased to announce Sondus Collaborating Centre) that the annual International Criminal Summer School highlighted challenges of meeting the rightCourt to health and public will take place from to 19th Juneresearch 2015. team The ICC health perspectives, and15th the effort of theofWHO Summer at of the Irish Centre for Human Rights is the under theSchool guidance Professor Salman Rawaf (Director, WHO premier summer school on the International Criminal Collaborating Centre) to ‘marry‘ their indicators and criteria.Court, Their the world’s permanent for the trialfrom of international presentation was based institution on comparative figures the Arab crimes. world. The Summer School is suited to postgraduate students, legal professionals, journalists and staff of civil Katherine Heuss (Ms student, University of Edinburgh) in her society or intergovernmental organizations. presentation on the challenge of the access of huge numbers of refugees healthcare Lebanon triggered discussion on theat: To registertoand for moreininformation, pleaseavisit our website core obligations of central government versus obligations of the http://goo.gl/YfpyfO international community to assist the state to fulfil its duties on the right to health. Thequeries, book “Implementing the Right to Health: Should you have any please email: A Multi-Country Study of Law, Policy and Practice” is due to be iccsummerschool@gmail.com published by TMC Asser Press / Springer in 2014. For more information see http://www.rug.nl/staff/b.c.a.toebes/abc.pdf. 10TH SUMMER SCHOOL IN CINEMA, - Natalia Pestova HUMAN RIGHTS AND ADVOCACY 18TH -27TH OF JUNE 2015, NUI GALWAY, IRELAND The first Galway International Summer School on the Arts and Human Rights will take place from the 9th to 11th of July 2015 in NUI Galway. Co-directed by Professor Michael A Seminar ‘Implementing theIrish right Centre to health’ held atRights the Irish O’Flaherty, Director of the forwas Human and Centre for Human Rights on the 24th of TheMuseum, group of it will Dr. Dominique Bouchard, Curator at August. the Hunt academics and researchers from different countries, working on a bring together arts practitioners with human rights activists multi-country of law, their policyshared and practice of implementation and scholarsstudy to explore space. of the right to health under the leadership of Dr. Brigit Toebes (Lecturer, Groningen, Netherlands), in Galway and Events willUniversity take theof form of panel discussions,met exhibitions for the first time.The Participants from the legal, and performances. global theme forfields 2015ofwill bepolitical “Belonging”. public health science in discussion onaddresses, the currentplenary issues The Summer School engaged will consist of keynote and challenges of implementation of the right in domestic and discussions, and themed discussions on three parallel tracks – literature and human rights; the visual arts and human rights; and musicDanica and human rights. The keynote speaker will Finger (Germany) be the United Nations Special Rapporteur for Cultural Rights, Why did you choose the ICHR? Farida Shaheed. A colleague of mine told me about the Centre during an internship in Geneva for a human To register and for more information, rights NGO. The choice of courses and its please visit our website at:were http://goo.gl/QoTJiJ content particularly appealing to me. How do you like studying at the ICHR? Should you have any queries, please email: of the professors I love it. The level of expertise is unique. I also like the fact that seminars artsandhumanrights@gmail.com are offered here rather than lectures, which allows for more discussion and interaction. Finally, I appreciate the constant accessibility of the professors. CONTACT DETAILS What do you consider as most beneficial so far in the LL.M. programme? Irishthe Centre for Human I have certainly benefitted from exchange with the Rights lecturers. Nationalthrough University ofon Ireland, I was able to deepen my knowledge essays specific Galway, Ireland issues. Moreover, I think thatUniversity the CentreRoad, is well-connected due to the high number of guest speakers and I have thus gained fascinating insight into a multitude Phone:of issues. +353 (0) 91-493948 Fax: E-Mail: +353 (0) 91-494575 humanrights@nuigalway.ie This Summer School programme has for the last nine years Anne Cadwallader at ICHR attracted young talented filmmakers and professionals from across the world who wish to engage in an exciting training course where ideas and projects are shared, developed and challenged by fellow participants and internationally acclaimed experts of film, television, photography and human rights. Cinema and Human Rights and Advocacy (CHRA) is a training initiative offered by the Huston School of Film & Digital Media and the Irish Centre for Human Rights, part of the NUI Galway Anne Cadwallader from the Pat Finucane Centre, author of the and supported by the Open Society Foundations. best-selling book “Lethal Allies”, gave a public lecture on Tuesday 4th of March. She was accompanied by Margaret Urwin of “Justice To register and for more information, for the Forgotten”, which campaigns for victims in the Republic. please visit our website at: www.chra.ie - Jia Wang or email to: info@chra.ie Please also follow the FB page at: University scholars at the University http://goo.gl/fkMeXY Awards Day Six BA with Human Rights students were announced as university scholars at the University Awards Day on Saturday 8 February. These ICHR UPDATES are: Aoife Barry, Ciara Moloney, The Irish Centre for Human Rights also has a social media presence. Brendan O’Connor and Rachel Sweeney for their 1st year and Katie Fallon and Pictured right): results Please like us(left on to Facebook at: Brendan O’Connor, Jacqueline Hayes for their 2nd https://www.facebook.com/IrishHumanRights Rachel Sweeney and Aoife Barry year results. - Dr. Higgins And follow us on Twitter for all updates on theNoelle Centre‘s activities at: https://twitter.com/IrishCentreHR
