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	Government representatives are facing a second day of questioning by a UN committee examining Ireland&#39;s human rights mechanisms today.</p>
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	A delegation is in Geneva to explain how the Government has complied with the International Covenant on Economic Social and Cultural Rights.</p>
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	A number of civil society organisations including Threshold, Atheist Ireland and Justice for Magdalenes Research, are also attending.</p>
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	Yesterday, the Department of Justice was asked about reparations to survivors of Magdalene laundries, the system of direct provision for asylum seekers and abortion laws.</p>
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	Dr Katherine O&#39;Donnell, of the Justice for Magdalenes Research group, wants the Government to be reprimanded by the UN committee.</p>
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	&quot;They have very serious concerns about around how austerity has impacted human rights in Ireland, and they&#39;re suggesting ways that the Government ought to have pushed the Troika further on defending human rights issues,&quot; she said</p>
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	&quot;They&#39;re certainly interested in the issues of abortion, Magdalene issues, and direct provision as key issues that the Government really needs to tackle properly if it&#39;s going to move forward an keep a good record on human rights.&quot;</p>
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	<a href="http://www.irishexaminer.com/breakingnews/ireland/government-reps-face-further-grilling-by-un-on-human-rights-680785.html">http://www.irishexaminer.com/breakingnews/ireland/government-reps-face-further-grilling-by-un-on-human-rights-680785.html</a></p>
