A&L Goodbody recognises UN International Day in Support of Victims of Torture – 26 June
A&L Goodbody (ALG) introduced a new ‘signature project’ into their pro bono practice 18 months ago. Through their partnership with Spirasi, the centre of care for survivors of torture, their solicitors review medical legal reports as part of the international protection process. The project is unique in bringing together legal and medical expertise aimed at enhancing the quality of these reports and making a real difference to those who have suffered torture. In the last year their solicitors have reviewed over 100 medical reports.
On 26 June to mark UN International Day in Support of Victims of Torture A&L Goodbody hosted an event in their offices in partnership with Spirasi. They welcomed survivors of torture, counsellors from Spirasi, medical professionals, representatives from UNHCR, the International Protection Office, Dept of Justice and civil society to come together as a mark of solidarity with those who have and continue to suffer torture. At the event they heard deeply moving and impactful first hand experiences from survivors of torture.
Speaking ahead of the event, Rory Halpin, Executive Director at Spirasi said ‘This is an occasion to highlight the ongoing atrocities perpetrated against human beings on a daily basis internationally, often with impunity. We in Spirasi also want to affirm that there is life after torture and that this begins when a victim’s right to rehabilitation is realised. Ireland has committed itself to the implementation of a vulnerability assessment which needs to be put in place as a matter of urgency. Only when victims are identified can rehabilitation begin.”
Spirasi is the only specialist centre in Ireland providing care and rehabilitation of survivors of torture and severe trauma. Since 2001 Spirasi has aided over 5,000 people in their recovery, enabling them to come to terms with their experiences and work towards self-reliance. For more information on the work they do click here www.spirasi.ie
Related News
Dublin Bus helps community and voluntary groups across the capital to make a difference in their local areas
Earlier in the summer, Dublin Bus announced the winners of the 2020 Community Spirit Awards. 65 voluntary and community groups operating around the Capital and Greater Dublin Area received the wonderful, uplifting news that they were awarded a grant of €1,000, €2,000 or €5,000. Since 2004, the Community Spirit Awards has provided much-need funds for
10 years growing together: a Partnership Giving STEM Insights to Students
In 2011, Fujitsu Ireland and St. Joseph’s Secondary School, Rush, came together as part of Business in the Community Ireland’s (BITCI) Schools’ Business Partnership Programme. Germaine Noonan, Head of Education in BITCI, recalls the foundations of the relationship; “I remember like it was yesterday meeting former CEO Regina Moran back in the summer of 2011
Aldi provides customers with five ways to make supermarket shopping more sustainable
In the lead up to Earth Day 2021, Aldi shared five insider tips to help people shop more sustainably. From finding ways to reduce the need for plastic packaging, to minimising food waste and supporting Irish suppliers, there’s plenty of smalls steps that can help to make your shop more sustainable. John Curtin, Group
Lidl Ireland to Combat Period Poverty by Offering Free Period Products in Stores Nationwide in Partnership with Homeless Period Ireland
Lidl Ireland is set to become the first major retailer in the world to offer free period products in stores nationwide to women and girls across the country affected by period poverty in partnership with Homeless Period Ireland and The Simon Communities of Ireland. The new initiative will see the retailer offer a dedicated coupon
