What the IHRC does
Established under the Human Rights Commission Act 2000, the Irish Human Rights Commission (IHRC) promotes and protects the human rights of everyone in Ireland in the following ways:
Promoting Awareness and Understanding about Human Rights
We promote awareness and understanding of human rights in Ireland. Through human rights education and training we aim to build a culture of human rights in Irish society.
Reviewing Legislation, Policy and Practice
We review the adequacy and effectiveness of law, policy and practice in Ireland on our own initiative or if requested to by a Government Minister. We monitor Ireland's compliance with international and Constitutional human rights standards.
Conducting Enquiries
The IHRC conducts enquiries of its own accord or at the request of any person who considers conducting such an enquiry could be the best way to investigate a human rights issues that concerns them.
Appearing as Amicus Curiae or 'Friend of the Court'
The IHRC can apply to the High Court or the Supreme Court for liberty to appear before the courts as amicus curiae or 'friend of the court' in cases that involve the human rights of any person.
When we are allowed appear as amicus curiae in such cases we can give legal advice in a neutral way to the Courts on any human rights implications.
To date we have appeared in cases about criminal legal aid, civil debt, children's rights, accommodation/housing rights of Travellers and local authority tenants, the rights of people with intellectual disabilities, immigration and asylum rights, and data protection.
Providing Legal Assistance
The IHRC can provide assistance for legal proceedings which involve law or practice relating to human rights.
Instituting Legal Proceedings
The IHRC may institute legal proceedings in its own name to vindicate the human rights of a person or class of persons in the State.