O'Flaherty Re-Elected To UN Human Rights Committee

Mr. O'Flaherty was running for a second term and when first elected four years ago was the first ever Irish member of a United Nations Treaty Monitoring Body.

He topped the poll in the election with support from 136 out of the 157 State parties to the Convention participating in the election.

The other eight successful candidates had total votes ranging from 86 to 117.

The UN Human Rights Committee comprises experts, serving in their personal capacity, who assess how States are meeting their obligations under the UN's major human rights treaty, the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.

Minister Martin said: "I warmly congratulate Michael O'Flaherty on his emphatic re-election to the UN Human Rights Committee. This is a great honour for him personally and also for Ireland.

"He has served with great distinction during his first term on the Committee and can now make a further valuable contribution. Mr. O'Flaherty will continue to bring to the role a wealth of practical experience and a wide knowledge of human rights issues. 

"He will also be an independent and impartial voice as required by the Covenant.

"We are delighted that our efforts on his behalf have borne fruit. 

"Our diplomatic network, in particular our Missions to the UN in New York and Geneva, played an active role in the election campaign. 

"The very strong vote Mr. O'Flaherty achieved also demonstrates a wide recognition internationally of the strength of Ireland's commitment to the United Nations and to human rights."

Professor Michael O'Flaherty is a native of Galway and is currently Professor of Applied Human Rights and Co-Director of the Human Rights Law Centre at the School of Law, University of Nottingham.

He is a current member of the UN Human Rights Committee and following his re-election will now serve for a further four years until 31 December 2012.