The event is hosted by UCC Women’s Studies and will take place at 1pm, Room 101, O’Rahilly Building.
James Smith is the author of the book “Ireland's Magdalen Laundries” and “The Nation's Architecture of Containment” (Manchester University Press, 2008). He is also involved with “Justice for Magdalenes”, (JFM), a survivor advocacy organisation campaigning on behalf of women formerly incarcerated in Magdalene Laundries. He has supported the group in discussions with a range of government departments and, during next week, will meet with the Irish Human Rights Commission, Amnesty International Ireland, and members of the Catholic Hierarchy to discuss JFM’s ongoing campaign.
JFM has asked the Irish Human Rights Commission to conduct an inquiry into the state’s refusal to acknowledge their role in the laundries. The group has long argued that even though the laundries were run as private institutions, this does not "absolve the state of responsibility to protect the women and girls from abuse endured". They also argue the state "knew the nature and function of the Magdalene laundries" and that it had a "duty to protect all the women and girls in the laundries".
Dr Smith’s talk in UCC will focus on the State’s constitutional and human rights obligations towards the survivor community.
All are welcome to attend the event.
Picture: Dr James Smith
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