Between optimism and a hard place

Leading barrister Caoilfhionn Gallagher and IHREC commissioner Emily Logan shine a light on the human rights landscape in Britain and Ireland

Caoilfhionn Gallagher QC at her chambers in Doughty Street in London Pic: Anna Gordon

One has been at the forefront of a slew of important human rights cases, acting for Ibrahim Halawa, and the bereaved families and survivors of the 7/7 London bombings and the Hillsborough disaster. The other has carried out pioneering work as Ombudsman for Children and is now charged with driving Ireland’s human rights agenda.

Using their alma mater’s recent decision to honour their achievements at this year’s UCD Alumni Awards as a hook, ...