Government needs to act on its role in facilitating rendition flights

Last week’s universal periodic review (UPR) of Ireland’s human rights performance at the UN shone a welcome light on issues that must be addressed by the incoming government. 

These issues include the rights of people with disabilities, access to abortion services, the marginalisation of Travellers, racism, domestic violence, and non-Christian children’s access to education. However, one key issue that has been ignored is the lack of accountability for the facilitation of US rendition planes at Shannon.

Over the past decade recommendations made to various human rights mechanisms, including the UPR, by Shannonwatch and other organisations have called for three specific actions. Firstly the Irish Government should review and if necessary strengthen legislation governing the search and inspection of suspected rendition flights to ensure that its civil and police authorities have the necessary power in this regard. Secondly it should establish a robust and transparent system for identifying aircraft, operators, and crews using Irish territory or airports to commit or assist abuses of human rights, including renditions. Thirdly it should establish an independent and impartial inquiry into the use of Irish territory, and in particular Shannon airport, in renditions. The outcome of this review should be made public.