UN body calls on Ireland to revise its abortion laws

A UN committee has called on Ireland to take “all necessary steps” to revise its abortion laws to bring them into line with international human rights standards.

The UN Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (CESCR) said this should include holding a referendum on the issue.

In its concluding observations on the third periodic report of Ireland to the Committee, the CESCR said it was concerned at Ireland’s “highly restrictive” legislation and its “strict interpretation”.