GSOC response to UN Committee Against Torture concluding observations

The Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission welcomes the publication today (11 Aug. 17) of the concluding observations of the United Nations Committee Against Torture (UNCAT) following Ireland’s recent appearance before the Committee.

GSOC notes in particular UNCAT’s concern about “the capacity of the Garda Síochaná Ombudsman Commission (GSOC) to function independently and effectively and to investigate allegations of torture and ill-treatment, including with regard to financial and staffing limitations”.

UNCAT has also said that the State should “strengthen the independence and effectiveness of the Garda Síochaná Ombudsman Commission (GSOC) to receive complaints relating to violence or ill-treatment by the police and to conduct timely, impartial and exhaustive inquiries into such complaints”.

GSOC welcomes any measures that would enhance the Commission’s independence and effectiveness in investigating any allegations of torture and ill-treatment, including the provision of additional financial and staffing resources.

GSOC is committed to providing an effective complaint mechanism for the Irish public and supporting victims in line with the EU Directive on the Victims of Crime.

The Commission notes that UNCAT has requested the State to report on a number of matters, including the strengthening of the independence of GSOC, by August 2018. GSOC looks forward to assisting in this endeavour.

ENDS

Ciarán Kelly
Communications and Research

Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission