Tories must be challenged on disregard for human rights - Anderson

Sinn Féin MEP Martina Anderson has stated that the Irish government need to challenge the Tories over their disregard for human rights protections.

Speaking ahead of the 3rd Universal Periodic Review of the British Government by the United Nations, Martina Anderson said:

“The Universal Periodic Review of human rights standards in Britain and the north could not have come at a better time. The Brexit agenda of the Tories will have serious human rights implications for the north. The Tory plan to scrap the 1998 Human Rights Act is adding insult to injury.

“It is clear the Tories don't care about human rights protections or the people of the north.

“The Irish Government, as a co-guarantor of the Good Friday Agreement, has an obligation to stand up and challenge the British government on its attitude to human rights.

“Brexit directly threatens the Good Friday Agreement. Sinn Féin will continue to pursue a designated special status for the north to remain within the EU to guarantee human and workers’ rights protections.

"Both the European Court of Justice and the European Court of Human Rights have stood up for the rights of persons with disabilities, for women, for workers, for victims of conflict, for cultural expression and for minorities.

"The Irish Government now needs to show some resolve and act in the best interests of all Irish citizens by challenging the British government."