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Ulster University has nominated Dr Catherine O’Rourke to the Irish Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade  Committee on Human Rights. The Committee has existed in different formats since 1997. It provides a framework for a regular exchange of views between the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and representatives of the NGO community, as well as civil society more generally. It comprises human rights experts, academics, NGO representatives and representatives of Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and other governmental departments as required.

The Committee meets approximately four times a year to discuss international matters of concern, including Ireland’s obligations under international human rights law and Ireland’s foreign policy positions on international human rights issues of concern.

The forthcoming term of the Committee is particularly significant, as Ireland currently holds the Chair of the UN Commission on the Status of Women, is campaigning for a seat on the UN Security Council and is developing a new White Paper on International Development. Catherine is excited about this new role: “I look forward to bringing my human rights interest and expertise to the work of the Committee, in particular in the area of CEDAW, women’s human rights, conflict and development.”