Irish Public Sector’s Legal Obligation to uphold Human Rights
In Ireland, the public sector plays a crucial role in upholding human rights and promoting equality. This legal obligation, known as the Public Sector Duty, ensures that public bodies eliminate discrimination, promote equal opportunities, and protect the human rights of both staff and service users. But how does this duty translate into action? Let's delve deeper into the importance of intercultural competence in fulfilling this obligation.
The Public Sector Duty:
The Public Sector Duty, in Section 42 of the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission Act 2014, mandates public bodies to address equality and human rights issues. This includes government departments, local authorities, healthcare providers, and educational institutions. Even when services are outsourced, public bodies remain accountable for upholding equality and human rights standards.
Assess, Address, Report:
Compliance with the Public Sector Duty involves a three-step process: assess, address, and report. Public bodies must evaluate relevant equality and human rights issues, integrate policies to promote equality, and regularly report on their progress. Accountability and transparency are vital in ensuring that obligations are met.
GORM's Report:
GORM recognises the importance of intercultural competence in fulfilling the Public Sector Duty. Through a small research project supported by the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission Grants Scheme 2023, we sought to understand intercultural competence within the Irish public sector.
Watch our video to learn more about intercultural competence and its importance in the Irish public sector.
The Importance of Intercultural Competence:
Intercultural competence encompasses the knowledge, attitudes, and skills necessary for effective interaction in diverse environments. GORM's research identified a moderate level of competency among participants from various public bodies. However, there is a clear need to bridge the gap between knowledge and action, particularly in fostering meaningful intercultural engagement
Challenges and Opportunities:
While progress has been made, challenges remain. Some public bodies exhibit a lack of cultural awareness, hindering their ability to engage effectively with diverse communities. Nonetheless, the groundwork has been laid for continued improvement.
ogether, let's work towards building a more inclusive society where diversity is celebrated and everyone feels a sense of belonging.
