Advocates call for laws against Irish firms linked to rights abuses abroad

'We are witnessing horrifying abuses of human rights and severe damage to the environment in the countries where we work,' says Caoimhe de Barra, the CEO of Trócaire, pictured on a visit to Bethlehem. Picture: Garry Walsh

Irish-based companies should be held legally accountable in Ireland for business operations abroad which are proven in court to be linked to human rights abuses or serious environmental damage, according to a new report.

A coalition of advocacy groups says the Irish Government has “a duty” to protect people in other countries by introducing new corporate accountability legislation which would hold Irish companies legally responsible for any exploitation of people, land, or environment caused by their work overseas.