asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the conventions affecting human rights which exist under the auspices of the United Nations; to which of these Ireland is a signatory; to which conventions we have not as yet signed; and the reason in each case where we are not signatories.
Written Answers. - Human Rights Conventions.
The information requested by the Deputy in respect of United Nations instruments in the field of human rights is contained in the following table:
United Nations Instruments in the field of Human Rights
Title |
Position of Ireland |
1. Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide |
Acceded, 1976. |
2. International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination |
Signed, subject to ratification, 1968. |
3. International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights |
Signed, subject to ratification, 1973. |
4. International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights |
Signed, subject to ratification, 1973. |
5. Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights |
The question of the Optional Protocol is being examined in the context of the consideration being given to the ratification of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. |
6. Convention on the Non-Applicability of Statutory Limitations to War Crimes and Crimes Against Humanity |
The decision not to proceed to ratification of this Convention. which has to-date been signed or ratified by only 29 states, has been taken because of concern on legal grounds at certain of the elements contained in the Conventions. No Western European state has signed or ratified this Convention. |
7. International Convention on the Supression and Punishment of the Crime of Apartheid |
With our partners in the Twelve we consider aspects of this instrument to be unacceptable both on legal and policy grounds and it is not proposed to sign or ratify the Convention. |
8. Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women |
Acceded, 1985. |
9. Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment |
Careful consideration is being given to the changes in domestic law which would be necessary to permit ratification of this Convention, with which Ireland was prominently associated during its passage through the General Assembly. |
10. International Convention against Apartheid in Sports |
Because of concern at the legal, including possible constitutional, implications of certain of its articles it is not envisaged that Ireland will sign this Convention. |