Send this news story to a friend
European ‘Human Rights’ Commissioner Criticised for ‘Shocking and Callous... : 16th Jun 08
Council of Europe's Report “a shocking and a callous betrayal of the human rights of the most vulnerable section of European society, the unborn child”
Europe’s “human rights” watchdog has been strongly criticised for its call of the Irish Government to legislate on abortion. In the first comprehensive report on Ireland's human rights record carried out by the Council of Europe (CLICK TO READ MORE.....) it recommends that politicians legislate to give clarity to doctors on the conditions under which an abortion can be performed legally. It said the X case in 1992 provided for abortion when the life of a mother was in danger but no legislation was enacted.
However, Irish pro-life spokeswoman, Eilis Grealy of Galway for Life, said it was “a shocking and a callous betrayal of the human rights of the most vulnerable section of European society, the unborn child”. She pointed out that abortion “is not a human right, it is a human wrong”. This is because it is the “direct and deliberate taking of an innocent human life”.
She noted that Article 3 of the UN’s Universal Declaration on Human Rights states: “Everyone has the right to life, liberty and security of person.” The right to life is the most basic and important human right. Without it all other rights are “meaningless”, noted Ms Grealy.
She said the failure of the Council of Europe to vindicate the right to life of unborn children is a “shocking betrayal of the vision of those Europeans who, after the slaughter of World War II, worked to build a Europe that protected and vindicated the human rights of all society.”
The 58-page report was compiled following a visit to Ireland last November by Thomas Hammarberg, human rights commissioner at the Council of Europe. He met senior politicians, including Taoiseach Bertie Ahern, and non-governmental agencies (NGOs). He also visited State institutions and care centres.
His report presents a comprehensive picture of deficiencies in policies to protect the rights of children, asylum seekers, racial minorities and women. It also focuses on the impact of anti-terrorism measures and the justice system on the rights of citizens, refugees and asylums seekers.
In a response to the report the Government said it would consider carefully the commissioner's recommendations. It also detailed a range of recent initiatives to improve human rights, including the appointment of a children's ombudsman. The commissioner's report is not legally binding but carries moral authority.
The Council of Europe is Europe’s main human rights watchdog. Founded in Strasbourg in 1949 in the aftermath of the second World War, the council seeks to develop common democratic principles based on the European Convention on Human Rights throughout Europe.
It currently has 47 member countries, including Ireland, and is linked to the European Court of Human Rights, whose judgments are respected by the Irish courts.
The current Council of Europe commissioner for human rights is Thomas Hammarberg. His reports are not legally binding. They act, however, as a source of moral persuasion on national governments. The Irish Catholic. May 15. The Irish Times. May 1.
Recent Topics
- Ireland’s Birth Rate Rises as Migration Falls Steeply
- Winner of Family & Life Draw!
- New Irish Institute to Tackle Ethical Issues
- ‘Bleak Picture of Modern Britain’—Danger in a Mother’s Womb
- Conservative Party Promises Support for Marriage, if Elected
- Swedish Abortions Increase Despite Much Higher Sales of Morning After Pill
- UNFPA's Annual Report Focuses on Abortion
- Irish Dominican Group Defends UN Abortion Report Stance
- Fruits of the Contraceptive Revolution’—Debate in ‘The Irish Times’ on 'Humanae...
- Bright Future for Leukaemia Girl after Stem-Cell Transplant
- Euthanasia Case Faces Legal Challenge in Italy