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Three students from the Irish Centre for Human Rights’ International Human Rights Law Clinic, Lisa Murray, Emily Donnellan, and Maggie Vahey (pictured above) travelled to the United Nations in Geneva, Switzerland as part of their work with the Clann Project and Justice for Magdalene Research.

Emily, Lisa and Maggie were amongst the Clinic’s team working with Dr Claire McGettrick, born Lorraine Hughes, and the Clann Project, campaigning for justice for victims and survivors of institutional abuse, and women affected by institutionalisation and forced family separation in Ireland. In 2024, the team carried out an email campaign to inform election candidates of the key issues and to and encourage these politicians to support survivors and those affected. The project culminated in a report which was submitted to the United Nations Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women.

The three students travelled to Geneva and spoke at the eighth periodic review of Ireland. At the Palais de Nations, the team highlighted the urgent need for action, including full redress for those affected by mother and baby homes, as well as an effective, thorough investigation into the Magdalene Laundries. Emily, Lisa and Maggie met with representatives from other civil society organisations and emphasised that the human rights violations arising from institutionalisation and forced family separation were not confined to the past, and that the ongoing denial of truth and justice for those affected is a present human rights issue in Ireland.

Following Ireland’s review, the Committee adopted their Concluding Observations, recommending, amongst other things, that Ireland:

“Remove arbitrary barriers to redress for survivors of historic abuse in Mother and Baby Institutions, the Magdalene Laundries and other residential institutions, and fully implement prior judgments, in particular the 2014 O'Keeffe judgment, ensuring meaningful redress for all survivors”.

The students would like to extend their gratitude to all who helped guide this project, which ensured that the voice of those affected was not left out.

Further Information

Find out more about the work by the Clann Project and Justice for Magdalene Research. Learn about other projects supported by the International Human Rights Law Clinic.