HUMAN RIGHTS FOR IRISH REPUBLICAN PRISONERS

Give Irish Republican Prisoners their Human Rights

Prime Minister David Cameron,

We the people of the world beseech you, in the hope that you will at last take every possible step to ensure that prisons throughout Britain conform to recognized standards of humane and decent treatment of all prisoners, including Irish Republican prisoners.

Irish Republican prisoners have established their tenacity, honor, and indefatigable spirit throughout a long history of difficult and heroic actions, including the Blanket Protest and numerous hunger strikes, many of which were pursued to the death. In light of this history, the world would expect that the British government had learned that Irish Republican prisoners must not be subjected to unjust, unequal, and inhumane treatment. However, the parallels between the 1976-1981 campaign and present conditions are remarkable.

The Universal Declaration of Human Rights adopted by the United Nations in 1948 states, “No one shall be subjected to torture or to cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment” We also note that the "FAIR ACT AGREEMENT" has not yet been implemented. With a simple signature, Sir, you can bring an end to the disreputable treatment in the prisons run by your government. Would you not like to be remembered as “the Prime Minister who kept his word"?

For too long now you have had serious issues facing you from within the prison system. Would it not make sense to recognize and uphold the agreements that have been signed and fulfill the obligations thereof?

If you established an unbiased committee to visit with the prisoners and prison officials and act as mediator and ombudsman for the prisoners and officials, your reputation for brutality in your prisons would diminish.

We ask you to grant the demands of the prisoners, echoed by people from all over the globe who recognize that we stand at a new era: an era of tolerance and peace. After nearly 900 years and the death of so many Irish martyrs, it is time to uphold the agreements that have been placed on paper but not implemented. In this era, we should grant peace of mind and soul to all mankind, no matter their political or religious affiliation. You must remember that resistance is fostered by oppression.

We request the following rights be granted to ALL male and female Republican prisoners:.

1. Political Status for Irish Republican Prisoners Past and Present
2. Educational programs
3.Freedom of association with other Republican prisoners
4.Freedom of movement outside their cells in their respective areas
5.Routine weekly visits with families
6. The making of handicrafts without discrimination as to religion or political affiliation
7.The right to be treated with dignity and respect
8. Proper Medical Care
9. NO BEATINGS
10. Freedom!
In the vivid words of two martyrs created by your prisons,

"Everyone, Republican or otherwise, has their own part to play. No part is too great or too small; no one too old or too young to do something"

Bobby Sands, MP , LongKesh,1981

" If they took everything else away, they'd not take away my principles. I'll die before they take them from me".

Kevin Lynch, Long Kesh, 1981

We thank you sincerely,
The signers of this petition