UN critical of Magdalene orders

The UN has again criticised the refusal by the four orders than ran the Magdalene laundries to offer any money towards compensating survivors.

In its latest observations report, the UN Committee Against Torture (Uncat) said it was “concerned” that, more than a year after the State apology to women abused in Magdalene laundries, none of the orders were willing to contribute to the redress scheme.

Uncat also expressed concerns about the State’s failure to hold the Catholic Church accountable for institutional abuse

The UN has previously called on the Vatican to investigate the Magdalene laundries so those responsible for the abuse suffered can be prosecuted.

The Sisters of Mercy, Sisters of Our Lady of Charity of Refuge, the Good Shepherd Sisters, and the Sisters of Charity have all stated their refusal to contribute financially to the redress scheme.