International Reporting and Engagement

1.1 Committee of Experts on Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity and Expression, and Sex Characteristics (ADI-SOGIESC)

The Committee of Experts on Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity and Expression, and Sex Characteristics (ADI-SOGIESC) commenced its mandate in 2024, having been established in 2023 by the Committee of Ministers in accordance with Article 17 of the Statute of the Council of Europe and Resolution CM/Res(2021)3 on intergovernmental committees and subordinate bodies, their terms of reference and working methods. Operating as a subordinate body of the Steering Committee on Anti-discrimination, Diversity and Inclusion (CDADI), which oversees the Council of Europe's efforts to advance equality and foster inclusive societies, ADI-SOGIESC is entrusted with supporting member States in the development and implementation of effective policies related to SOGIESC. It is specifically mandated by the Committee of Ministers to produce key deliverables including drafting a Recommendation on the equality of rights of intersex persons, devising a strategy to combat discrimination and promote the rights of LGBTI individuals, and conducting reviews of Council of Europe Recommendation CM/Rec(2010)5.

The committee comprises representatives from member States engaged in SOGIESC policy, along with participants from various Council of Europe bodies and international organisations. Additionally, it welcomes the participation of eight LGBTI-focused international non-governmental organisations (INGOs) as observers. To facilitate its objectives, ADI-SOGIESC convenes two plenary meetings annually.

More information on ADI-SOGIESC can be accessed at: Committee of Experts on Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity and Expression, and Sex Characteristics (ADI-SOGIESC) - Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity

1.2 European Governmental LGBTI Focal Points Network (EFPN)

The EFPN is an intergovernmental body dedicated to the protection and advancement of the human rights of LGBTIQ+ people in Europe. The EFPN is composed of representatives responsible for LGBTIQ+ matters from member states alongside representatives from civil society and multilateral institutions. The EFPN is a crucial space for policy exchange and sharing best practice.

The EFPN holds at least two roundtable meetings per year, which are hosted by a voluntary candidate Member state. The country that hosts the European Forum to celebrate the International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia, Intersexphobia and Biphobia (IDAHOT+) day (17 May) also hosts, in the margins of the IDAHOT+ Forum programme, the spring roundtable of the EFPN.

The IDAHOT+ Forum is one of the major annual European events that gathers Government representatives, policymakers, experts, academics and activists, as well as representatives from international and European organisations and institutions.

More information on the EFPN can be accessed at: European Governmental LGBTI Focal Points Network - Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity

1.3 European Commission against Racism and Intolerance (ECRI)

The European Commission against Racism and Intolerance (ECRI) is a unique human rights expert body that monitors action against racism, discrimination (on grounds of race, ethnic or national background, skin colour, citizenship, religion, language, sexual orientation, gender identity and sex characteristics), and intolerance in Europe.

In its country monitoring work, ECRI analyses the situation closely in each of the member states and makes recommendations for dealing with any problems of racism and intolerance identified there.

A delegation of the European Commission against Racism and Intolerance (ECRI) visited Ireland from 4 to 8 November 2024, in preparation of their sixth report on Ireland. During the visit, the ECRI delegation gathered information on effective equality and access to rights, hate speech and hate-motivated violence, integration, and inclusion.

More information on the ECRI country monitoring in Ireland can be accessed here.

2.1 International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (ICESCR)

ICESCR is an international human rights treaty that aims to protect economic, social and cultural rights. The implementation of the Convention is monitored by the Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, a body of 18 independent experts. Ireland ratified the Convention in 1989. Ireland submitted its fourth national report on the implementation of ICESCR in February 2021.

Ireland's Fourth Periodic Report under the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (ICESCR)

2.2 UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC)

Ireland ratified the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) in 1992, recognising that children in Ireland have specific rights, and the Irish State’s responsibility to make those rights a reality.

United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child

2.3 International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR)

The ICCPR is an international human rights treaty that aims to protect civil and political rights. The implementation of the Convention is monitored by the Committee on Civil and Political Rights, a body of 18 independent experts. Ireland ratified the Convention in 1989. Ireland submitted its fifth periodic report under ICCPR in September 2019.

Ireland’s 5th Periodic Report under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR)

3.1 The European Commission’s LGBTIQ Equality Subgroup

The LGBTIQ Equality Subgroup was set up to enhance implementation of the LGBTIQ Equality Strategy under the High-Level Group on non-discrimination, equality and diversity. The Subgroup is composed of Governmental experts, nominated by Member States’ Governments, to support and monitor progress of the protection of LGBTIQ people’s rights in the Member States.

Its objective is to intensify cooperation and information exchange between the European Commission and the Member States on advancing LGBTIQ equality, and to contribute to the implementation of the LGBTIQ Equality Strategy 2020-2025. It follows a demand-driven approach in its work.

The EU Agency for Fundamental Rights (FRA) contributes to its work, and the Subgroup cooperates on a regular basis with civil society and international organisations, such as the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) and the Council of Europe.

More information on the European Commission’s LGBTIQ Equality Subgroup can be accessed at LGBTIQ Equality Strategy 2020-2025 - European Commission.