"Public trust in policing, respect and the protection of human rights are deeply intertwined."

Hundreds of members of An Garda Síochána across various ranks and grades have been recognised as champions of human rights following the successful completion of a bespoke course. Over 550 Garda staff completed the Certificate in Policing and Human Rights Law in Ireland, accredited by the University of Limerick, earlier in 2021. The certificate is ranked at Level 8 on the National Framework of Qualifications and is the first of its kind. A statement issued by An Garda Síochána noted that the 12-week course has attracted interest from other international agencies and police services. On Friday (22 October), over 200 Garda personnel from across the Dublin region were conferred with their certificates from Commissioner Drew Harris. The remaining personnel who successfully completed the course will receive their honours at regional award ceremonies over the coming weeks. A further 500 students are expected to complete the course by December of this year. "Public trust in policing, respect and the protection of human rights are deeply intertwined," said Commissioner Harris on Friday. "In fact, human rights form the very foundation and purpose of our work as Gardaí. "This course reinforces the importance of that approach, and ensures that our personnel are fully equipped with the knowledge and expertise to ensure the fair and equitable treatment of every single person that engages with An Garda Síochána." In elaborating on its overall human rights ethos, a spokesperson for An Garda Síochána noted that it is "an essential element" of the work carried out by Gardaí. "We have an obligation to respect, protect and fulfil the human rights of all citizens in our day to day work and in our interactions. "The Policing and Human Rights Law in Ireland course is just one of the many ways An Garda Síochána is putting human rights at the centre of its policing delivery." Images via An Garda Síochána