UN council urges Ireland to strengthen measures to combat racism

Emer Higgins said: 'It has never been more important for countries like Ireland to not only defend existing protections but to work with like-minded countries to support the international human rights architecture across the world.' File photo: Moya Nolan

The treatment of people of African descent and Black children in Ireland has come under scrutiny at the United Nations Human Rights Council with several countries calling on the Government to strengthen protections against racial discrimination.

The Gambia specifically called on Ireland to strengthen measures to combat racism, including discrimination against people of African descent and Black children.

Its delegation recommended that racist incidents should be easier to report, complaints investigated promptly and victims given access to effective remedies.

Togo also called on Ireland to step up measures to combat discrimination, particularly against migrants and people of African descent.

The Russian delegation raised concerns about racial profiling by gardaí against people of African descent and Roma communities, and questioned the effectiveness of measures relating to mothers, children and the Magdalene laundries.

Responding, the Irish delegation said: “Ireland acknowledges the failings of the State towards vulnerable women and children in the context of former mother and baby institutions.” 

It also said its National Action Plan Against Racism included measures addressing racism affecting people of African descent.

The discussions are particularly significant for Conrad Bryan, who has spent years campaigning for recognition of the treatment of mixed-race and Black children in Irish institutions.

As a survivor and co-founder of the Association of Mixed Race Irish, Mr Bryan has highlighted how hundreds of Black and mixed-race children placed in State-funded religious institutions, industrial schools, and mother and baby homes faced systemic racial abuse, segregation, and lifelong stigma.

Campaigners have repeatedly pointed out that while the State has issued formal apologies and established redress schemes for institutional abuse, official inquiries — including the Mother and Baby Homes Commission — failed to properly examine or acknowledge the specific anti-Black racism these children endured.

The United Nations session comes just two months ahead of Ireland taking up its seat on the United Nations Human Rights Council for two years in January.

Minister Emer Higgins pledged that Ireland will “continue to focus on delivering our commitments and we are firmly committed to respecting, protecting and fulfilling human rights in Ireland and we will use our seat on the UN Human Rights Council to do this at an international level also.” 

She said that human rights norms are under pressure in many parts of the world, adding: “It has never been more important for countries like Ireland to not only defend existing protections but to work with like-minded countries to support the international human rights architecture across the world.”