Oireachtas Joint and Select Committees
Wednesday, 2 April 2014
Joint Oireachtas Committee on Education and Social Protection
Accreditation for the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland Facility in Bahrain: Discussion (Resumed)
2:20 pm
Dr. Attracta Halpin:
I disagree with the Deputy that there is any disconnect between our human rights principles and what is happening in Bahrain. Nobody denies that there have been human rights abuses. A specific section in our document relates to the situation where human rights abuses occur during the time in the country. It states:
Members can read the rest of what we say there. RCSI has acted in accordance with our code of conduct. We have been briefed fully. Professor Kelly addressed the NUI twice and has sent written communications from time to time setting out what RCSI has been doing in Bahrain. We are satisfied that the actions they have taken are consistent with our principles.
Where human rights abuses occur during a partnership agreement, NUI institutions should have a clear policy for action. Where the international community has identified and criticised gross human rights abuses such as attacks on civilians, NUI institutions should ensure that they take appropriate action, whether publicly or privately.
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