News Releases
Eva Schloss calls on Irish government to do more to protect refugees
Humanitarian and step-sister of Anne Frank addresses Amnesty International conference in Dublin
Ireland’s inhumane abortion law strongly criticised at UN Human Rights Council
Ireland must take heed of the recommendations made as part of its Universal Periodic Review today, particularly in relation to our harsh abortion laws, said Amnesty International. Eighteen states made recommendations calling on Ireland to expand access to abortion, decriminalise abortion, provide women and girls with full information on abortion services, and amend its Constitution to allow for such reforms. This compares with six recommendations on abortion in its first review in 2011.
Ibrahim Halawa spends 1000th day in unlawful pre-trial detention in Egyptian prison
Amnesty International meets Egyptian Ambassador to reiterate call for his immediate & unconditional release
Amnesty International calls on incoming government to prioritise human rights in foreign and domestic policy
Amnesty International calls on incoming government to prioritise human rights in foreign and domestic policy
• Cautious welcome for commitment to hold Citizens’ Assembly on Eighth Amendment
• Concern regarding protection of economic, social and cultural rights
UN states scrutinise Ireland’s human rights record, resounding call for reform of abortion laws
Amnesty International Ireland today welcomed the commitment from Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality, Frances Fitzgerald TD, that Ireland’s restrictive abortion laws will be reviewed, that the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities will finally be ratified this year, and that a referendum on removing the offence of blasphemy from the Constitution will be held. The Tánaiste was speaking at Ireland’s Universal Periodic Review by the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva this afternoon.
EU: Council must end commercial advertising of brutal tools of torture in Europe
The European Union (EU) must immediately crack down on the unhindered commercial advertisement within its member states of security equipment potentially used to inflict cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment on people, said Amnesty International and the Omega Research Foundation in a new report published today.
UN proposes ‘Global Compact’ to tackle refugee crisis
An upcoming UN plan for addressing the unprecedented global refugee crisis could be a game-changer if governments back it up with concrete and long-term commitments, said Amnesty International today.
Amnesty International tentatively welcomes inclusion of Citizens’ Assembly on Eighth Amendment in Programme for Partnership
Amnesty International tentatively welcomes inclusion of Citizens’ Assembly on Eighth Amendment in Programme for Partnership
DUBLIN, 5th May 2016 - Amnesty International Ireland today welcomed reports that the draft “Programme for Partnership” document agreed between Fine Gael and Independents, if forming a minority government, includes a commitment to establishing a Citizens’ Assembly on the Eighth Amendment to the Constitution.
Iraq: More than 1,000 detained in shocking conditions at counter-terrorism centres in Anbar
More than 1,000 detainees, including some as young as 15, are being held without charge in horrendous conditions at makeshift holding centres in Anbar governorate, west of Baghdad, said Amnesty International today. A delegation led by the organisation’s Secretary General, Salil Shetty, gained access on 30 April to a centre run by Anbar’s counter-terrorism agency (Mukafahat al-Irhab) in Ameriyat al-Fallujah, where 683 male detainees are held without charge.