For 25 years, University of Galway has been a proponent of the crucial analysis and activism associated with human rights. As part of this effort, the University first established its position as a leader in human rights research in the year 2000. A quarter of a century later, Cois Coiribe is pleased to celebrate a great milestone of the lasting presence and impact of these programmes.

First published in the Irish Centre for Human Rights Blog, this article featuring Dr Maeve O’Rourke covers key arguments from her recently published book, Human Rights and the Care of Older People: Dignity, Vulnerability, and the Anti-Torture Norm (Oxford University Press 2024). Dr O’Rourke’s monograph explores international anti-torture norm in the conceptualisation of older people’s human rights. As described by Felice Gaer, former Vice-Chairperson of the UN Committee Against Torture in Geneva and pioneering international lawyer, it presents ‘a new and important assessment of standards for consent and care.’ Cois Coiribe is delighted to have the opportunity to spotlight this great achievement and provide insight into this topic which delves into core societal issues.

Cois Coiribe is delighted to have the opportunity to highlight University of Galway alumnus Brian Molloy, who has worked in the private sector for over 30 years, earned his MBA at University of Galway, and applied his experience towards large-scale transformation across the Department of Social Protection following his appointment in 2019. Mr Molloy is now Head of Transformation at the Irish Defence Forces and is spearheading a Government-approved High Level Action Plan, leading organisational reimagining on a broad scale. The plan itself has been recognised as a significant change in the State. Mr Molloy was appointed as the first male Uachtarán (President) of the Camogie Association in 2024 due to his staunch support of female participation in sport alongside being a vocal proponent for the structural integration of the Gaelic Games. Here, Mr Molloy discusses his experiences both governmentally and as a leading voice of camogie in Ireland.

Research shows that strong links exist between domestic violence and manifestations of public violence, from crime to war and terrorism. According to global women’s studies director, Dr Nata Duvvury, to neglect the problem of domestic violence is to neglect the wider conditions for violence across society.

Dr Sarah-Anne Buckley, a foremost expert in the history of childhood in Ireland, argues that our national story remains incomplete until we recognise our institutional history. Calling for a survivor/person-centred approach, she reflects on the importance of testimony in piecing together an understanding of Ireland’s Carceral Institutions.

As grim accounts surface of mass graves in Ukraine, many are asking: when will persecutions be made? Prof Raymond Murphy of the Irish Centre for Human Rights shares his insights into the legislation around war crimes, drawing attention to the selective nature of international justice and problems legislators face in holding those responsible for war crimes accountable.

In a recent piece for The Irish Times, Fintan O’Toole urged the West to think carefully about an endgame for the Ukraine war. The response in the West has failed, according to O’Toole, in its prioritisation of “speed and immediate impact over long-term utility.” Can political science and Cold War history help us chart a concrete path towards an endgame?