The Irish Human Rights Commission (IHRC) today published its observations on the Criminal Justice (Forensic Evidence and DNA Database System) Bill 2010. The IHRC calls for stronger human rights protection for people who will be affected by its provisions.
The aim of the Bill is to establish a DNA Database that stores DNA profiles for use in criminal investigations. The draft legislation proposes that bodily samples will be taken from people suspected of committing a serious offence, as well as from people who are in prison or who have previously been imprisoned for having committed serious offences. Members of the public may also be asked to give bodily samples as “volunteers” or as part of a mass screening.
Press Release: IHRC calls for Mental Capacity Legislation and review of Mental Health Act 2001 to protect rights of Incapacitated Persons and Wards of Court
The Irish Human Rights Commission (IHRC) today recommended to Government to introduce Mental Capacity legislation and review the Mental Health Act 2001 (2001 Act) to ensure the rights of Incapacitated Persons and Wards of Court are protected. These measures should now be taken to strengthen, protect and uphold the human rights of Incapacitated Persons and Wards of Court under Irish law, in line with the State’s obligations under Article 5 (right to freedom from arbitrary detention) of the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) and Article 12 of the new United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.
New Internship and Professional Placement Opportunities
