The UN Human Rights Committee says the Government should carry out a "prompt, independent and thorough investigation" into symphysiotomy, and says those that carried it out should be prosecuted and punished.

The fourth report into Ireland's human rights record has been published after a number of Irish civil rights groups travelled to Geneva last week to report on their concerns.

It expresses concern that the practice of breaking the pelvic bone during or after childbirth was carried out on 1,500 Irish women up until 1987.

It also say survivors should be given "fair and adequate compensation", including the right to legally challenge compensation offered in the redress scheme announced earlier this month.

The report also calls for an independent investigation into mother and baby homes, Magdelene Laundries and children's institutions.