Law Society of Ireland: Annual Human Rights and Equality Conference 2019 – 12 October

Date                12 October 2019

Time                10.00am to 2.00pm

Venue             Presidents Hall, Law Society of Ireland, Blackhall Place, Dublin 7

Fee                  Complimentary

CPD Hours     3 General (by Group Study)

This conference is organised by the Law Society Human Rights and Equality Committee in partnership with Law Society Professional Training, with the aim of bringing together legal practitioners, members of the judiciary, members of the public, as well as academics, policy makers, human rights and civil society organisations to explore issues around the international process in Ireland and the far –reaching impact of direct provision. An extensive panel discussion and question and answer session will take place following the plenary sessions.

The aim of this year’s conference is to critically explore the operation of the international protection process in Ireland and the impact of direct provision upon asylum seekers. There will also be an examination of international best practice examples in the area, including the significance of the UN Global Compact for Migration – the first-ever UN global agreement on a common approach to international migration in all its dimensions. The Conference offers a vital opportunity for policymakers and other interested stakeholders to come together to assess and discuss the various issues and challenges involved in navigating this area. It will also provide scope to highlight the rights considerations around same and to consider opportunities for future reform. It is an aim of the Conference to stimulate and invigorate debate amongst key stakeholders in this area and mobilise necessary change.

The Annual Human Rights Conference Series

This year marks the 17th anniversary of the Law Society’s Human Rights Committee Annual Conference series. The principal aim of the conference series is to promote awareness of human rights law and practice among both lawyers and the public, and also to encourage consideration of how human rights can be promoted and protected.

Topics and issues to be covered

• Overview of the international protection process in Ireland
• Identifying key human rights challenges and considerations in the protection process
• International best practice and lessons learned
• Exploring opportunities for change and future reform in international protection in Ireland

Chairpersons

Shane McCarthy, Chairperson of the Law Society Human Rights and Equality Committee

Hilkka Becker, Chairperson of the International Protection Appeals Tribunal

Speakers

• The Honorable Mr. Justice Bryan McMahon, Chair of the Working Group on Direct Provision and the Protection Process
• H.E. Ambassador David Donoghue, Special Envoy for the UN Security Council Campaign
• Grainne O’ Hara, Director of Division of International Protection, UNHCR
• Minister David Stanton, Minister of State with special responsibility for Equality, Immigration and Integration
• Elle Kisyombe, Founder, Our Table

Click here to register.