Human Rights Law Pressing for basic human rights standards at all levels

One of FLAC's core principles is to uphold human rights law in all we do. FLAC seeks to advance international and national standards that promote human rights and has sought to highlight and promote the basic human rights standards that underlie our core areas of work.

FLAC strives to hold the State to account on its obligations under international human rights law, particularly in the area of economic, social and cultural rights. These are basic human rights such as decent work, social security, housing, health and education. In 2015, we coordinated the civil society response to Ireland’s third examination under the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights.

We also use international human rights law mechanisms to support our work. In 2016, a particular focus is Ireland’s examination under the Universal Periodic Review process. FLAC is a member of the “Your Rights, Right Now” coalition, which submitted a joint report to the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights in advance of Ireland’s review. FLAC has also engaged with UN Special Procedures mandate holders, including the Special Rapporteurs on extreme poverty and human rights defenders, during their visits to Ireland.

FLAC is an associate member of the International Federation of Human Rights (FIDH)  a Paris-based body that brings together 178 organisations working for human rights around the world, and is also a partner organisation of the Fundamental Rights Agency.