Overview

The government response to COVID-19 raised human rights concerns, including in relation to the right to health, the enactment of emergency legislation without parliamentary oversight, and police use of spit hoods. Increased numbers of people accessed abortion services under the 2018 law, but gaps remained. The European Committee for the Prevention of Torture was critical of support available for prisoners with mental health problems. The government committed to replacing the Direct Provision system of shared accommodation for those seeking international protection, and to holding a constitutional referendum on housing.

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