Promoting a Constitutional Convention Debate on ESC Rights

'Promoting a Constitutional Convention Debate on economic, social and cultural rights', is an information meeting to support participation by civil society and community organisations in calling for an examination of economic, social and cultural (ESC) rights by the Constitutional Convention.

The Constitutional Convention was established by Government to consider and make recommendations on possible amendments to the Constitution. This meeting will set out the opportunity for the discussion of ESC rights that the Constitutional Convention presents, and will explore how organisations can engage with this opportunity to protect these rights in Ireland. At a time of austerity, how we defend people’s rights to housing, healthcare, work, an adequate standard of living – and what those rights actually mean – has never been more relevant.

Programme

10am Registration

10.30am Introduction: What is the ESC Rights Initiative, and what is the Constitutional Convention; Louise Glennon, Amnesty International

10.45am Now is the time: Why ESC Rights, and the Constitutional Convention are important; Aiden Lloyd, ESC Rights Initiative

Facilitated discussion: Cecilia Forrestal, Community Action Network

11am How can you participate and encourage others to do so? Identifying tactics and key moments for collaboration eg: submissions, regional meetings, media work.

11.45am How do we drive this agenda forward into the future?

12.05am Feedback

12.30am Wrap up and final call to action; Rosalind McKenna, Amnesty International