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Dr Maeve O'Rourke

PhD, LLM, BCL

Contact Details

Lecturer Above The Bar
E: maeve.orourke@universityofgalway.ie
 
researcher
 

Biography

Maeve O'Rourke, PhD (Birmingham), LLM (Harvard), BCL (University College Dublin) is Lecturer in Human Rights at the Irish Centre for Human Rights (ICHR), School of Law, NUI Galway.

Maeve is Programme Director of the Law (BCL) & Human Rights undergraduate degree programme at the School of Law, and she is the founding and current Director of the postgraduate Human Rights Law Clinic at the ICHR. Maeve has been awarded the NUI Galway President's Award for Teaching Excellence and the NUI Galway College of Business, Public Policy and Law Award for Teaching Excellence. She has also received a Teaching Hero Award from the National Forum for the Enhancement of Teaching and Learning in Higher Education in collaboration with the Union of Students in Ireland. She holds a National Forum digital Badge in Community Engaged Learning. 

Maeve's publications to date and research interests concern the following areas, primarily:
  • the development of the rule against torture and ill-treatment, 
  • human rights protections in institutional and care contexts, 
  • access to justice and redress for systemic and so-called 'historical' institutional, gender-based and family separation abuses, 
  • climate and environmental justice, and 
  • human rights research and advocacy methods, particularly community-based lawyering and activism. 
Maeve's most recent monograph, Human Rights and the Care of Older People: Dignity, Vulnerability, and the Anti-Torture Norm (Oxford University Press 2024), is published Open Access. It is the first book-length publication on the application of the international anti-torture norm in the conceptualisation of older people's human rights, and has been described by Felice Gaer, former Vice-Chairperson of the UN Committee Against Torture in Geneva and pioneering international lawyer, as 'a new and important assessment of standards for consent and care', and an 'authoritative account [which] couldn't be more timely.' 

Maeve was appointed by the Northern Ireland Executive in 2021 to work with institutional and family separation abuse survivors as part of a three-person independent Truth Recovery Design Panel. Her co-authored Report with Deirdre Mahon and Phil Scraton, and her Background Research Report were published in October 2021 recommending a detailed framework for a human rights-based truth-telling process.

Since 2010 Maeve has provided pro bono assistance to the voluntary advocacy group 'Justice for Magdalenes' and she is currently a member of the research group 'Justice for Magdalenes Research'. This group's efforts are the subject of her recently published co-authored book, Ireland and the Magdalene Laundries: A Campaign for Justice (Bloomsbury/IB Tauris 2021). The recently published essay collection which she co-edited with Katherine O'Donnell and James M Smith, REDRESS: Ireland's Institutions and Transitional Justice (UCD Press 2022) also draws on this work and considers how Ireland's democracy might evolve if so-called 'historical' abuse survivors' experiences and expertise were put to the fore. 

Maeve is voluntary co-director of the evidence-gathering initiative with Hogan Lovells LLP, 'Clann: Ireland's Unmarried Mothers and their Children: Gathering the Data'. She is also a lead pro bono lawyer in the case of Elizabeth Coppin v Ireland. Maeve's legal research and advocacy concerning Ireland's Magdalene Laundries abuse and the forced separation of unmarried families in Ireland during the 20th century has received international and national recognition; awards include UK Family Law Pro Bono Lawyer of the Year (2013), Ireland Fund of Great Britain Forgotten Irish Award (2013), University College Dublin Inaugural Alumni Achievement Award in Law (2014), Ireland/United States Alumni Association Inaugural Emerging Leader Award (2015), Lord Mayor of Dublin Award (2016), PILnet Local Pro Bono Impact Award (2018) and Financial Times Top 10 Most Innovative Lawyers (2019).  

Maeve is a barrister at 33 Bedford Row, London, and she previously qualified as an Attorney at Law in New York. She has practised in family law, and between 2013 and 2014 she worked with Leigh Day solicitors representing 15,000 claimants from Bodo, Rivers State, Nigeria in their claim against Shell Petroleum Development Company in the Technology and Construction Division of the English High Court. She currently practises occasionally in the broad area of human rights law.  

From October 2017 to January 2019 Maeve held the position of Senior Research and Policy Officer at the Irish Council for Civil Liberties where she undertook legal research, policy development and public advocacy in all areas of the ICCL's work including human rights-based policing, state surveillance and data protection, deprivation of liberty, shrinking civil society space, judicial reform, access to justice for 'historical' systematic human rights abuses, and reproductive rights. 

Maeve gained her PhD in Law in 2018 from Birmingham Law School where she was supervised by Professor Fiona de Londras and Professor Rosie Harding. Between 2015 and 2017 Maeve was a Visiting Scholar and Occasional Lecturer at University College Dublin School of Law where she established a Human Rights Clinic for LLM and MSc Human Rights students. 

Maeve has previously worked as a Consultant to the United Nations Special Rapporteur on Torture, Professor Nils Melzer; Harvard Law School Global Human Rights Fellow at Equality Now; and researcher at the Harvard Law School Human Rights Program, the University of Minnesota Law School Human Rights Center and Just for Kids Law (UK). 

Research Interests

  • State Responsibility for Gross and Systematic Human Rights Violations 
  • Older People's Human Rights 
  • Human Rights and Social Care Systems
  • Transitional Justice
  • Gender-Sensitive and Transformative Reparation
  • Climate Justice and Human Rights 
  • Freedom of Expression, Data Rights and Truth-telling Processes
  • Human Rights Practice, Movement Lawyering and Clinical Legal Education

Books

  Year Publication
(2024) Human Rights and the Care of Older People: Dignity, Vulnerability, and the Anti-Torture Norm.
Maeve O'Rourke (2024) Human Rights and the Care of Older People: Dignity, Vulnerability, and the Anti-Torture Norm. Oxford, England: Oxford University Press. [Details]
(2021) Ireland and the Magdalene Laundries: A Campaign for Justice.
Claire McGettrick, Katherine O'Donnell, Maeve O'Rourke, James M Smith and Mari Steed (2021) Ireland and the Magdalene Laundries: A Campaign for Justice. London: Bloomsbury/IB Tauris. [Details]

Peer Reviewed Journals

  Year Publication
(2021) 'The manipulation of 'vulnerability': State responses to so-called 'historical' abuses in Ireland'
Maeve O'Rourke (2021) 'The manipulation of 'vulnerability': State responses to so-called 'historical' abuses in Ireland'. Human Rights Quarterly, [Details]
(2020) 'When is a Plan Not a Plan? The Supreme Court Decision in 'Climate Case Ireland''
Rónán Kennedy, Maeve O'Rourke & Cassie Roddy-Mullineaux (2020) 'When is a Plan Not a Plan? The Supreme Court Decision in 'Climate Case Ireland''. Irish Planning And Environmental Law Journal, 27 (2):60-72 [ARAN Link] [Details]
(2020) 'Editors' Introduction, Special Issue: Toward Transitional Justice in Ireland? Addressing Legacies of Harm'
Katherine O'Donnell, Maeve O'Rourke, James M Smith (2020) 'Editors' Introduction, Special Issue: Toward Transitional Justice in Ireland? Addressing Legacies of Harm'. Éire-Ireland, 55 (1 & 2) [Details]
(2019) 'Book Review: Lynsey Black and Peter Dunne (Eds): Law and Gender in Modern Ireland: Critique and Reform (Hart/Bloomsbury 2019)'
Maeve O'Rourke (2019) 'Book Review: Lynsey Black and Peter Dunne (Eds): Law and Gender in Modern Ireland: Critique and Reform (Hart/Bloomsbury 2019)'. Feminist Legal Studies, [Details]
(2019) 'Prolonged Impunity as a Continuing Situation of Torture or Ill-Treatment? Applying a Dignity Lens to So-Called Historical Cases'
Maeve O'Rourke (2019) 'Prolonged Impunity as a Continuing Situation of Torture or Ill-Treatment? Applying a Dignity Lens to So-Called Historical Cases'. Netherlands International Law Review, [DOI] [ARAN Link] [Details]
(2011) 'Ireland's Magdalene Laundries and the State's Duty to Protect'
Maeve O'Rourke (2011) 'Ireland's Magdalene Laundries and the State's Duty to Protect'. Hibernian Law Journal, 10 :200-237 [ARAN Link] [Details]
(2009) 'Human Rights and Smart Economics: Mainstreaming Gender in International Trade Policy'
Maeve O'Rourke (2009) 'Human Rights and Smart Economics: Mainstreaming Gender in International Trade Policy'. University College Dublin Law Review, 9 [ARAN Link] [Details]

Other Journals

  Year Publication
(2014) 'The Importance of Pro Bono Lawyering'
Maeve O'Rourke (2014) 'The Importance of Pro Bono Lawyering' Family Law, (1071) . [Details]
(2013) 'Burial of a Child's Remains: Resolving Parental Disputes'
Maeve O'Rourke (2013) 'Burial of a Child's Remains: Resolving Parental Disputes' Family Law Week, . [ARAN Link] [Details]

Book Chapters

  Year Publication
(2024) 'When is a Plan Not a Plan? The Supreme Court Decision in 'Climate Case Ireland''
Rónán Kennedy, Maeve O'Rourke & Cassie Roddy-Mullineaux (2024) 'When is a Plan Not a Plan? The Supreme Court Decision in 'Climate Case Ireland'' In: D'Alessandro E & Castagno D (eds), Reports & Essays on Climate Change Litigation. Torino: Università degli Studi di Torino. [Details]
(2023) 'Introduction'
Mark Coen, Katherine O'Donnell and Maeve O'Rourke (2023) 'Introduction' In: A Dublin Magdalene Laundry: Donnybrook and Church-State Power in Ireland. London: Bloomsbury. [Details]
(2022) 'Ireland's Historical Abuse Inquiries and the Secrecy of Records and Archives'
Maeve O'Rourke (2022) 'Ireland's Historical Abuse Inquiries and the Secrecy of Records and Archives' In: Histories of Punishment and Social Control in Ireland: Perspectives from a Periphery. Bingley, United Kingdom: Emerald Publishing. [Details]
(2022) 'State Responses to Historical Abuses in Ireland: Vulnerability and the Denial of Rights'
Maeve O'Rourke (2022) 'State Responses to Historical Abuses in Ireland: Vulnerability and the Denial of Rights' In: REDRESS: Ireland's Institutions and Transitional Justice. Dublin: UCD Press. [Details]
(2022) 'Editors' Introduction'
Katherine O'Donnell, Maeve O'Rourke and James M Smith (2022) 'Editors' Introduction' In: REDRESS: Ireland's Institutions and Transitional Justice. Dublin: UCD Press. [Details]
(2021) 'Institutional abuse in Ireland: Lessons from survivors and legal professionals'
Maeve O'Rourke, Jennifer O'Mahoney and Katherine O'Donnell (2021) 'Institutional abuse in Ireland: Lessons from survivors and legal professionals' In: Nothing About Us Without Us: Giving Voice to Diversity in Criminological Research. Bristol, United Kingdom: Bristol University Press. [Details]
(2018) 'Concluding Observations of the UN Committee against Torture on Ireland, 2011'
Maeve O'Rourke (2018) 'Concluding Observations of the UN Committee against Torture on Ireland, 2011' In: Women’s Legal Landmarks. Oxford, UK: Hart. [ARAN Link] [Details]
(2017) 'O'Keeffe v Hickey'
Maeve O'Rourke (2017) 'O'Keeffe v Hickey' In: Northern/Irish Feminist Judgments: Judges' Troubles and the Gendered Politics of Identity. Oxford, UK: Hart. [ARAN Link] [Details]
(2016) 'Ireland's Magdalene Laundries: Confronting a History Not Yet in the Past'
Maeve O'Rourke & James M Smith (2016) 'Ireland's Magdalene Laundries: Confronting a History Not Yet in the Past' In: A Century of Progress? Irish Women Reflect. Galway: Arlen House. [ARAN Link] [Details]
(2015) 'The Justice for Magdalenes Campaign'
Maeve O'Rourke (2015) 'The Justice for Magdalenes Campaign' In: Implementing International Human Rights: Perspectives from Ireland. Dublin: Bloomsbury. [ARAN Link] [Details]

Edited Books

  Year Publication
(2023) A Dublin Magdalene Laundry: Church-State Power in Ireland.
Mark Coen, Katherine O'Donnell & Maeve O'Rourke (Ed.). (2023) A Dublin Magdalene Laundry: Church-State Power in Ireland A Dublin Magdalene Laundry: Church-State Power in Ireland. London: Bloomsbury. [Details]
(2022) REDRESS: Ireland's Institutions and Transitional Justice.
Katherine O'Donnell, Maeve O'Rourke and James M Smith (Ed.). (2022) REDRESS: Ireland's Institutions and Transitional Justice REDRESS: Ireland's Institutions and Transitional Justice. Dublin: UCD Press. [Details]

Published Reports

  Year Publication
(2023) Human Rights Norms Relevant to the Treatment of Care Home Residents during the Covid-19 Pandemic in Ireland: A Preliminary Research Report for Care Champions.
Charlotte Brouxel, Taylor Herbert, Freya Middleton, Erin Nic an Bhaird, Quinn O'Mahar and Maeve O'Rourke (2023) Human Rights Norms Relevant to the Treatment of Care Home Residents during the Covid-19 Pandemic in Ireland: A Preliminary Research Report for Care Champions. Irish Centre for Human Rights, Galway. [Details]
(2011) JFM Restorative Justice & Reparations Scheme for Magdalene Laundry Survivors.
Katherine O'Donnell and Maeve O'Rourke (2011) JFM Restorative Justice & Reparations Scheme for Magdalene Laundry Survivors. Justice for Magdalenes, Cavan, Ireland. [Details]
(2021) Mother and Baby Institutions, Magdalene Laundries and Workhouses in Northern Ireland: Truth, Acknowledgement and Accountability: Report of the Truth Recovery Design Panel for the Northern Ireland Executive.
Deirdre Mahon, Maeve O'Rourke and Phil Scraton (2021) Mother and Baby Institutions, Magdalene Laundries and Workhouses in Northern Ireland: Truth, Acknowledgement and Accountability: Report of the Truth Recovery Design Panel for the Northern Ireland Executive. Truth Recovery Design Panel, Belfast. [ARAN Link] [Details]
(2021) A Human Rights Framework: Background Research for the Truth Recovery Design Process.
Maeve O'Rourke (2021) A Human Rights Framework: Background Research for the Truth Recovery Design Process. Truth Recovery Design Panel, Belfast. [ARAN Link] [Details]
(2020) Dublin Honours Magdalenes Listening Exercise Report Vol 1: Report on Key Findings.
O'Donnell K and McGettrick C (principal authors) with Smith JM, O'Rourke M and Moriarty C (contributing authors) (2020) Dublin Honours Magdalenes Listening Exercise Report Vol 1: Report on Key Findings. Justice For Magdalenes Research, Ireland. [Details]
(2018) Clann: Principal Submissions to the Commission of Investigation into Mother and Baby Homes.
Maeve O'Rourke, Claire McGettrick, Rod Baker, Raymond Hill & Ors (2018) Clann: Principal Submissions to the Commission of Investigation into Mother and Baby Homes. Clann: Ireland's Unmarried Mothers and their Children: Gathering the Data, Dublin. [ARAN Link] [Details]
(2012) Justice for Magdalenes: Principal Submissions to the Inter-departmental Committee to Establish the Facts of State Involvement with the Magdalene Laundries.
James Smith, Maeve O'Rourke, Raymond Hill, Claire McGettrick & Ors (2012) Justice for Magdalenes: Principal Submissions to the Inter-departmental Committee to Establish the Facts of State Involvement with the Magdalene Laundries. Justice for Magdalenes, Dublin. [ARAN Link] [Details]

Policy Contribution

  Year Publication
(2024) Joint Submission by AGE Platform Europe in collaboration with Irish Centre for Human Rights, University of Galway, to Fourteenth Session of the United Nations Open-Ended Working Group on Ageing: Substantive inputs in the form of normative content for the development of a possible international standard on the protection of the rights of older persons to social inclusion and right to health and access to health services.
Maeve O'Rourke and Nena Georgantzi (2024) Joint Submission by AGE Platform Europe in collaboration with Irish Centre for Human Rights, University of Galway, to Fourteenth Session of the United Nations Open-Ended Working Group on Ageing: Substantive inputs in the form of normative content for the development of a possible international standard on the protection of the rights of older persons to social inclusion and right to health and access to health services. Irish Centre for Human Rights and UNOEWGA Policy Contribution [Details]
(2023) Briefing for An Tánaiste, Micheál Martin, on the need for emergency legislation to preserve historic institutional material.
Coen M, O'Donnell K and O'Rourke M (2023) Briefing for An Tánaiste, Micheál Martin, on the need for emergency legislation to preserve historic institutional material. Policy Contribution [Details]
(2023) Joint civil society submission to the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission seeking a human rights-based public Inquiry into the experiences of people in residential care during the Covid-19 pandemic and their relatives and staff carers.
Maeve O'Rourke, Majella Beattie, Muriel Moore, Sarah Robinson and others (2023) Joint civil society submission to the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission seeking a human rights-based public Inquiry into the experiences of people in residential care during the Covid-19 pandemic and their relatives and staff carers. Policy Contribution [ARAN Link] [Details]
(2023) Justice for Magdalenes Research & Open Heart City Collective, Submission to Public Consultation on the National Centre for Research and Remembrance.
Blaney C, Campbell H, Coen M, Janssens J, McGettrick C, Murray D, O'Donnell K, O'Donnell J, O'Rourke M, Smith JM & Steed M (2023) Justice for Magdalenes Research & Open Heart City Collective, Submission to Public Consultation on the National Centre for Research and Remembrance. Policy Contribution [Details]
(2022) Briefing Note for the United Nations Committee on the Rights of the Child: 'Historical' forced separation of unmarried mothers and children through adoption, 'boarding out', Mother and Baby Homes, County Homes, Magdalene Laundries and related practices and institutions.
Maeve O'Rourke (2022) Briefing Note for the United Nations Committee on the Rights of the Child: 'Historical' forced separation of unmarried mothers and children through adoption, 'boarding out', Mother and Baby Homes, County Homes, Magdalene Laundries and related practices and institutions. Policy Contribution [ARAN Link] [Details]
(2022) Clann Project Submission to the Committee on Children, Disability, Equality and Integration on the General Scheme of a Mother and Baby Institutions Payment Scheme Bill.
Claire McGettrick and Maeve O'Rourke (2022) Clann Project Submission to the Committee on Children, Disability, Equality and Integration on the General Scheme of a Mother and Baby Institutions Payment Scheme Bill. Policy Contribution [ARAN Link] [Details]
(2021) Oral evidence to Oireachtas Joint Committee on Children, Disability, Equality and Integration: Pre-legislative scrutiny of the General Scheme of a Certain Institutional Burials (Authorised Interventions) Bill.
Maeve O'Rourke (2021) Oral evidence to Oireachtas Joint Committee on Children, Disability, Equality and Integration: Pre-legislative scrutiny of the General Scheme of a Certain Institutional Burials (Authorised Interventions) Bill. Policy Contribution [Details]
(2021) Clann Project Public Statement: Irish High Court Declares the Mother and Baby Homes Commission of Investigation Treated Survivors Unlawfully: Survivors and Clann Project Call on Government to Amend Redress Scheme to Recognise All Human Rights Violations.
O'Rourke M and McGettrick C (2021) Clann Project Public Statement: Irish High Court Declares the Mother and Baby Homes Commission of Investigation Treated Survivors Unlawfully: Survivors and Clann Project Call on Government to Amend Redress Scheme to Recognise All Human Rights Violations. Justice for Magdalenes Research / Clann Project Policy Contribution [Details]
(2021) Joint Oireachtas Submission for Pre-Legislative Scrutiny of the General Scheme of a Certain Institutional Burials (Authorised Interventions) Bill.
Sarah-Anne Buckley, Vicky Conway, Máiréad Enright, Fionna Fox, James Gallen, Erika Hayes, Mary Harney, Darragh Mackin, Claire McGettrick, Conall Ó Fátharta, Maeve O'Rourke and Phil Scraton (2021) Joint Oireachtas Submission for Pre-Legislative Scrutiny of the General Scheme of a Certain Institutional Burials (Authorised Interventions) Bill. Policy Contribution [ARAN Link] [Details]
(2021) Clann Project Submission re. Consultation Process on the Development of an Ex-Gratia 'Restorative Recognition Scheme'.
Claire McGettrick and Maeve O'Rourke (2021) Clann Project Submission re. Consultation Process on the Development of an Ex-Gratia 'Restorative Recognition Scheme'. Clann Project Policy Contribution [ARAN Link] [Details]
(2021) Joint Submission to the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Justice regarding the General Data Protection Regulation.
Maeve O'Rourke, Loughlin O'Nolan and Claire McGettrick (2021) Joint Submission to the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Justice regarding the General Data Protection Regulation. Justice for Magdalenes Research Policy Contribution [ARAN Link] [Details]
(2021) Adoption Rights Alliance, JFM Research, Clann Project Briefing Notes re. the Final Report of the Mother and Baby Homes Commission of Investigation.
Claire McGettrick and Maeve O'Rourke (2021) Adoption Rights Alliance, JFM Research, Clann Project Briefing Notes re. the Final Report of the Mother and Baby Homes Commission of Investigation. Clann Project Policy Contribution [ARAN Link] [Details]
(2020) Oral evidence to Scottish Parliament Education and Skills Committee: Stage 1 of Redress for Survivors (Historical Child Abuse in Care) (Scotland) Bill (30 September 2020).
Maeve O'Rourke (2020) Oral evidence to Scottish Parliament Education and Skills Committee: Stage 1 of Redress for Survivors (Historical Child Abuse in Care) (Scotland) Bill (30 September 2020). Policy Contribution [Details]
(2020) Submission to Oireachtas Special Committee on Covid-19 Response: Nursing Homes and Other Institutional Care Settings: A Framework for Examining the State's Response to the Covid-19 Pandemic.
Kelleher C, Walsh K, O'Neill D, Flynn E, Donnelly S and O'Rourke M (2020) Submission to Oireachtas Special Committee on Covid-19 Response: Nursing Homes and Other Institutional Care Settings: A Framework for Examining the State's Response to the Covid-19 Pandemic. Policy Contribution [Details]
(2020) Submission to the Scottish Parliament's Education and Skills Committee, on the Redress for Survivors (Historical Child Abuse in Care) (Scotland) Bill.
Maeve O'Rourke (2020) Submission to the Scottish Parliament's Education and Skills Committee, on the Redress for Survivors (Historical Child Abuse in Care) (Scotland) Bill. Policy Contribution [ARAN Link] [Details]
(2020) Submission to the United Nations Committee Against Torture for the List of Issues Prior to Reporting in respect of IRELAND for the 69th Session (April - May 2020).
Samantha Aglae, Keelin Barry, Lauren Burke, Sien Crivits, Kelly Dalton, Siobhán Mullally, Maeve O'Rourke, Angelica Shilova, Judit Villena Rodo, Eesh Wadhwa, Stacy Wrenn. (2020) Submission to the United Nations Committee Against Torture for the List of Issues Prior to Reporting in respect of IRELAND for the 69th Session (April - May 2020). Galway: Irish Centre for Human Rights Policy Contribution [ARAN Link] [Details]
(2020) Submission to the Joint Committee on Climate Action for pre-legislative scrutiny of the Climate Action and Low Carbon Development (Amendment) Bill 2020: A Legislative Ban on Importing Fracked Gas.
Cassie Roddy-Mullineaux, Sophie Fitzpatrick, Colin Carney, Maeve O'Rourke, Johnny McElligott, Tom White, Eddie Mitchell and Gerry Liston (2020) Submission to the Joint Committee on Climate Action for pre-legislative scrutiny of the Climate Action and Low Carbon Development (Amendment) Bill 2020: A Legislative Ban on Importing Fracked Gas. Policy Contribution [ARAN Link] [Details]
(2020) Submission to the United Nations Special Rapporteur on truth, justice, reparations and guarantees of non-recurrence, on memorialisation for serious violations of human rights in Ireland.
Maeve O'Rourke (2020) Submission to the United Nations Special Rapporteur on truth, justice, reparations and guarantees of non-recurrence, on memorialisation for serious violations of human rights in Ireland. Ireland: Justice for Magdalenes Research Policy Contribution [ARAN Link] [Details]
(2020) Submission to the Citizens' Assembly on Gender Equality: The findings and recommendations of Clann: Ireland's Unmarried Mothers and their Children: Gathering the Data (2020).
O'Rourke M and McGettrick C (2020) Submission to the Citizens' Assembly on Gender Equality: The findings and recommendations of Clann: Ireland's Unmarried Mothers and their Children: Gathering the Data (2020). Justice For Magdalenes Research / Clann Project Policy Contribution [Details]
(2020) Submission to the United Nations Human Rights Committee for the List of Issues Prior to Reporting in respect of Ireland.
Stefano Angeleri, Keelin Barry, Shane Darcy, Maelle Noir, Maeve O'Rourke and Judit Villena Rodo (2020) Submission to the United Nations Human Rights Committee for the List of Issues Prior to Reporting in respect of Ireland. Galway: Irish Centre for Human Rights Policy Contribution [ARAN Link] [Details]
(2019) Oral evidence to Oireachtas Joint Committee on Education and Skills: Discussion of the Retention of Records Bill 2019.
Maeve O'Rourke (2019) Oral evidence to Oireachtas Joint Committee on Education and Skills: Discussion of the Retention of Records Bill 2019. Policy Contribution [Details]
(2019) Submission to Oireachtas Justice Committee on Direct Provision in Ireland.
Maeve O'Rourke & ICCL (2019) Submission to Oireachtas Justice Committee on Direct Provision in Ireland. Dublin: Irish Council for Civil Liberties Policy Contribution [ARAN Link] [Details]
(2019) Shadow Report submitted in response to Ireland's Joint 5th to 9th Periodic Report to the United Nations Committee on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination.
Keelin Barry, Shane Darcy, Helen Kehoe, Cassie Mullineaux-Roddy, Siobhán Mullally, Maeve O'Rourke, Judit Villena Rodo, Stacy Wrenn (2019) Shadow Report submitted in response to Ireland's Joint 5th to 9th Periodic Report to the United Nations Committee on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination. Galway: Irish Centre for Human Rights Policy Contribution [ARAN Link] [Details]
(2019) Opinion on the application of the Irish Constitution and EU General Data Protection Regulation to the Adoption (Information and Tracing) Bill 2016.
Maeve O'Rourke, Fred Logue and others (2019) Opinion on the application of the Irish Constitution and EU General Data Protection Regulation to the Adoption (Information and Tracing) Bill 2016. Policy Contribution [ARAN Link] [Details]
(2019) Submission to the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Education and Skills on the provisions of the Retention of Records Bill 2019.
Maeve O'Rourke, Mairead Enright & Sinead Ring (2019) Submission to the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Education and Skills on the provisions of the Retention of Records Bill 2019. Dublin: Justice for Magdalenes Research Policy Contribution [ARAN Link] [Details]
(2019) Response to Consultation on the Health Information and Quality Authority's Draft Guidance on a human rights-based approach to care and support in health and social care settings.
Maeve O'Rourke (2019) Response to Consultation on the Health Information and Quality Authority's Draft Guidance on a human rights-based approach to care and support in health and social care settings. Policy Contribution [Details]
(2018) Oral evidence to Oireachtas Joint Committee on Employment Affairs and Social Protection: Discussion of the Public Services Card.
Maeve O'Rourke (2018) Oral evidence to Oireachtas Joint Committee on Employment Affairs and Social Protection: Discussion of the Public Services Card. Policy Contribution [Details]
(2018) ICCL Submissions to the Department of Health on the Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards.
Maeve O'Rourke (2018) ICCL Submissions to the Department of Health on the Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards. Dublin: Irish Council for Civil Liberties Policy Contribution [ARAN Link] [Details]
(2018) ICCL Follow-Up Report to the United Nations Committee Against Torture.
Maeve O'Rourke & ICCL (2018) ICCL Follow-Up Report to the United Nations Committee Against Torture. Dublin: Irish Council for Civil Liberties Policy Contribution [ARAN Link] [Details]
(2018) Freedom of Artistic Expression and the Referendum on the 8th Amendment.
Maeve O'Rourke (2018) Freedom of Artistic Expression and the Referendum on the 8th Amendment. Dublin: Irish Council for Civil Liberties Policy Contribution [ARAN Link] [Details]
(2018) Rights-Based Policing: How Do We Get There?.
Maeve O'Rourke & ICCL (2018) Rights-Based Policing: How Do We Get There?. Dublin: Irish Council for Civil Liberties Policy Contribution [ARAN Link] [Details]
(2018) Keeping the People's Voice in Power: Coalition Statement on the Electoral Act.
Maeve O'Rourke & ICCL, Amnesty International, The Wheel, Transparency International, Uplift and Front Line Defenders (2018) Keeping the People's Voice in Power: Coalition Statement on the Electoral Act. Coalition for Civil Society Freedom Policy Contribution [ARAN Link] [Details]
(2017) Justice for Magdalenes Research, NGO Submission to the United Nations Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination Against Women.
Maeve O'Rourke (2017) Justice for Magdalenes Research, NGO Submission to the United Nations Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination Against Women. Dublin: Justice for Magdalenes Research Policy Contribution [ARAN Link] [Details]
(2017) Justice for Magdalenes Research, Submission to the United Nations Committee Against Torture.
Maeve O'Rourke (2017) Justice for Magdalenes Research, Submission to the United Nations Committee Against Torture. Dublin: Justice for Magdalenes Research Policy Contribution [ARAN Link] [Details]
(2017) Submission to the Office of the Ombudsman regarding its investigation into the administration of the Magdalene ‘ex gratia’ scheme.
Maeve O’Rourke, Claire McGettrick, Mari Steed, Dr Katherine O’Donnell & Dr James M Smith (2017) Submission to the Office of the Ombudsman regarding its investigation into the administration of the Magdalene ‘ex gratia’ scheme. Cavan: Justice for Magdalenes Research Policy Contribution [ARAN Link] [Details]
(2016) Justice for Magdalenes Research, Stakeholder Submission to the United Nations Human Rights Council for the Universal Periodic Review of Ireland.
Maeve O'Rourke (2016) Justice for Magdalenes Research, Stakeholder Submission to the United Nations Human Rights Council for the Universal Periodic Review of Ireland. Dublin: Justice for Magdalenes Research Policy Contribution [ARAN Link] [Details]
(2015) Justice for Magdalenes Research, Parallel Report to the United Nations Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights.
Maeve O'Rourke (2015) Justice for Magdalenes Research, Parallel Report to the United Nations Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights. Dublin: Justice for Magdalenes Research Policy Contribution [Details]
(2014) Justice for Magdalenes Research, Follow-up Report to the United Nations Human Rights Committee.
Maeve O'Rourke (2014) Justice for Magdalenes Research, Follow-up Report to the United Nations Human Rights Committee. Dublin: Justice for Magdalenes Research Policy Contribution [ARAN Link] [Details]
(2012) Justice for Magdalenes, Follow-up Report to the United Nations Committee Against Torture.
Maeve O'Rourke, James M Smith, Claire McGettrick, Raymond Hill and others (2012) Justice for Magdalenes, Follow-up Report to the United Nations Committee Against Torture. Dublin: Justice for Magdalenes Policy Contribution [ARAN Link] [Details]
(2011) Justice for Magdalenes, Submission to the United Nations Committee Against Torture.
Maeve O'Rourke (2011) Justice for Magdalenes, Submission to the United Nations Committee Against Torture. Dublin: Justice for Magdalenes Policy Contribution [ARAN Link] [Details]
(2011) Justice for Magdalenes, Submission to the United Nations Working Group on the Universal Periodic Review.
Maeve O'Rourke (2011) Justice for Magdalenes, Submission to the United Nations Working Group on the Universal Periodic Review. Dublin: Justice for Magdalenes Policy Contribution [ARAN Link] [Details]
(2010) Application to the Irish Human Rights Commission for an enquiry into the State's failure to protect the constitutional and human rights of women and young girls in the nation's Magdalene laundries.
James M Smith and Maeve O'Rourke (2010) Application to the Irish Human Rights Commission for an enquiry into the State's failure to protect the constitutional and human rights of women and young girls in the nation's Magdalene laundries. Policy Contribution [Details]

Conference Contributions

  Year Publication
(2024) Royal Irish Academy event: Archives, Access and Human Rights,
Maeve O'Rourke (2024) Institutional archives and human rights implications of lack of access to them. [Invited Oral Presentation], Royal Irish Academy event: Archives, Access and Human Rights, Dublin , 13-JUN-24 - 13-JUN-24. [Details]
(2024) North/South Criminology Conference,
Maeve O'Rourke (2024) 'I can't testify without my records': Information disclosure as the fulcrum of an effective investigation. [Plenary Lecture], North/South Criminology Conference, Belfast , 18-APR-24 - 18-APR-24. [Details]
(2024) American Conference for Irish Studies,
Maeve O'Rourke (2024) An all-island, human rights-based approach to national archiving. [International Refereed Conference], American Conference for Irish Studies, MIC Limerick , 17-JUN-24 - 21-JUN-24. [Details]
(2023) The Ethics and Politics of Vulnerable Populations: Questioning Forms of Paternalism, Policing and Governance,
Maeve O'Rourke (2023) Mother and Baby Homes, Magdalene Laundries, and the all-Ireland imperative to recognise rights. [Invited Oral Presentation], The Ethics and Politics of Vulnerable Populations: Questioning Forms of Paternalism, Policing and Governance, University College Dublin Centre for Ethics in Public Life , 11-MAY-23 - 11-MAY-23. [Details]
(2022) PILnet 2022 Global Forum,
Maeve O'Rourke (2022) Keynote. [Keynote Address], PILnet 2022 Global Forum, Dublin , 18-OCT-22. [Details]
(2021) Law & Society Association Annual Meeting,
Maeve O'Rourke (2021) Political Violence by the Irish Church/State and the Promise of Transitional Justice. [International Refereed Conference], Law & Society Association Annual Meeting, Chicago / Online , 28-MAY-21 - 28-MAY-21. [Details]
(2021) Archives and Human Rights,
Maeve O'Rourke (2021) An International Conference on Truth-telling, Memory and Institutional Records. [Conference Organising Committee Chairperson], Archives and Human Rights, Hardiman Library Archives and Irish Centre for Human Rights, NUI Galway , 18-NOV-21 - 18-NOV-21. [Details]
(2021) Protecting nursing home residents' rights to family life: lessons for Ireland,
Maeve O'Rouke (2021) Human rights law and its demands of the State in the nursing home context. [Invited Oral Presentation], Protecting nursing home residents' rights to family life: lessons for Ireland, University College Dublin / Irish Association of Social Workers , 24-MAR-21. [Details]
(2021) Testimonial Injustice and Trust,
Maeve O'Rourke (2021) Testimonial and other injustices inflicted on the survivors of Mother and Baby Homes. [Invited Oral Presentation], Testimonial Injustice and Trust, University College Dublin Centre for Ethics in Public Life , 17-JUN-21 - 17-JUN-21. [Details]
(2021) Law and Society Association Annual Meeting,
Maeve O'Rourke (2021) Political Violence by the Irish Church/State and the Promise of Transitional Justice. [International Refereed Conference], Law and Society Association Annual Meeting, Chicago (online) , 28-MAY-21 - 28-MAY-21. [Details]
(2020) Women and Activism in Ireland: Profiling Leaders and Changemakers,
Maeve O'Rourke (2020) The Clann Project. [Invited Oral Presentation], Women and Activism in Ireland: Profiling Leaders and Changemakers, University College Cork , 11-DEC-20. [Details]
(2019) Archives and Records Association Ireland: Diversity and Inclusion in Irish Archives and Records,
Maeve O'Rourke and Katherine O'Donnell (2019) 'Structured Ignorance and Silencing in Irish Archives'. [Invited Oral Presentation], Archives and Records Association Ireland: Diversity and Inclusion in Irish Archives and Records, Irish Architectural Archive, Dublin 2 , 21-NOV-19. [Details]
(2019) Living Well with the Confined Dead,
Maeve O'Rourke (2019) A Thinkery to close a Wellcome-funded research project at University College Cork entitled 'Living Well with the Dead in Contemporary Ireland. [Conference Paper], Living Well with the Confined Dead, University College Cork , 10-MAY-19. [Details]
(2019) European Network Against Sexual Violence Conference,
Maeve O'Rourke (2019) The Justice For Magdalenes Campaign. [Keynote Address], European Network Against Sexual Violence Conference, Belgrade , 28-SEP-19 - 28-SEP-19. [Details]
(2019) Violence, Space & the Archives,
Maeve O'Rourke (2019) The Power of Law: Current Constraints on Truth-telling and Transition from Ireland's Institutional Past. [Refereed Abstracts], Violence, Space & the Archives, NUI Galway , 23-MAY-19 - 24-MAY-19. [Details]
(2019) 11th International Disability Law Summer School,
Maeve O'Rourke (2019) Human Rights and Family Life: Ireland's history of forced family separation. [Invited Oral Presentation], 11th International Disability Law Summer School, NUI Galway , 17-JUN-19 - 21-JUN-19. [Details]
(2019) Religion and Abuse: a multi-disciplinary workshop,
Maeve O'Rourke (2019) Ireland's Magdalene institutions and the Clann Project. [Invited Oral Presentation], Religion and Abuse: a multi-disciplinary workshop, London , 24-JUN-19 - 25-JUN-19. [Details]
(2018) Towards Transitional Justice? Recognition, Truth-telling and Institutional Abuse in Ireland,
Maeve O'Rourke (2018) This conference brought together scholars, survivors, and activists in the international field of Transitional Justice, with a specific focus on the Irish state's response to the nation's history of institutional abuse. [Conference Organising Committee Member], Towards Transitional Justice? Recognition, Truth-telling and Institutional Abuse in Ireland, Boston College, MA, USA , 01-NOV-18 - 02-NOV-18. [Details]
(2017) The Constitution at 80,
Maeve O'Rourke (2017) What meaning have constitutional rights for women and the children of women affected by Magdalene Laundries, mother and baby homes and similar institutions, and forced adoption?. [Refereed Abstracts], The Constitution at 80, University of Limerick , 11-NOV-17 - 11-NOV-17. [Details]
(2017) World Congress on Women¿s Mental Health,
Maeve O'Rourke (2017) The continuing trauma of `historic¿ institutional abuse: seeking reparation for Ireland¿s Magdalene Laundries survivors. [International Refereed Conference], World Congress on Women¿s Mental Health, Trinity College Dublin , 06-MAR-17 - 09-MAR-17. [Details]
(2016) State Responsibility for Vulnerability,
Maeve O'Rourke (2016) Accountability for the Magdalene Laundries abuse. [Refereed Abstracts], State Responsibility for Vulnerability, Dublin City University Socio-Legal Research Centre , 09-SEP-16 - 09-SEP-16. [Details]
(2015) WG Hart Legal Workshop 2015: Law and the Ageing of Humankind,
Maeve O'Rourke (2015) The right of older persons to freedom from torture and ill-treatment. [International Refereed Conference], WG Hart Legal Workshop 2015: Law and the Ageing of Humankind, Institute of Advanced Legal Studies, London , 22-JUN-15 - 24-JUN-15. [Details]
(2013) The Public Life of Private Law: ESRC Series,
Maeve O'Rourke (2013) Justice for Magdalenes Outside Court: the public pressure and international campaign. [Invited Oral Presentation], The Public Life of Private Law: ESRC Series, University of Warwick , 08-APR-13 - 08-APR-13. [Details]
(2012) Equality: Are We There Yet?,
Maeve O'Rourke (2012) Keynote speaker at plenary session on gender equality. [Keynote Address], Equality: Are We There Yet?, Kent Law School, University of Kent , 10-MAR-12 - 11-MAR-12. [Details]
(2011) Law, State and Religion: An Inter-Disciplinary Conference in Honour of Dr Shirin Ebadi,
Maeve O'Rourke (2011) Civil Society, Religion and the Irish State. [Invited Oral Presentation], Law, State and Religion: An Inter-Disciplinary Conference in Honour of Dr Shirin Ebadi, University College Dublin Astra Hall , 16-SEP-11. [Details]
(2011) Creating Change: Feminism, the University and Society,
Maeve O'Rourke (2011) The Justice For Magdalenes Campaign. [Invited Oral Presentation], Creating Change: Feminism, the University and Society, University College Dublin , 11-MAR-11 - 12-MAR-11. [Details]

Dataset

  Year Publication
(2023) Elizabeth Coppin v Ireland: case papers.
Coppin E, O'Rourke M, MacLeod J, Smith C, Lynn M, Mooney L, Lyon W, Landy C (2023) Elizabeth Coppin v Ireland: case papers. Dataset [Details]
(2013) Magdalene Oral History Project.
Katherine O'Donnell, Claire McGettrick, Maeve O'Rourke, James M Smith and others (2013) Magdalene Oral History Project. Dataset [Details]

Editorship of Journals

  Year Publication
(2020) Éire-Ireland: An Interdisciplinary Journal of Irish Studies, Special Double Issue: Towards Transitional Justice in Ireland? Addressing Legacies of Harm (Double Special Issue).
Katherine O'Donnell, Maeve O'Rourke and James M Smith (2020) Éire-Ireland: An Interdisciplinary Journal of Irish Studies, Special Double Issue: Towards Transitional Justice in Ireland? Addressing Legacies of Harm (Double Special Issue). Editorship of Journals [Details]

Invited Lectures

  Year Publication
(2024) Trinity College Dublin Historical Society, Lecture upon receipt of Gold Medal for Outstanding Contributions to Public Discourse.
Maeve O'Rourke (2024) Trinity College Dublin Historical Society, Lecture upon receipt of Gold Medal for Outstanding Contributions to Public Discourse. Invited Lectures [Details]
(2024) Dignity, Vulnerability, and Older People's Rights to Liberty and Freedom from Ill-treatment.
Maeve O'Rourke (2024) Dignity, Vulnerability, and Older People's Rights to Liberty and Freedom from Ill-treatment. Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission visiting exert speaker series Invited Lectures [Details]
(2023) Trinity College Dublin Historical Society Debate: 'This House Would Make the Catholic Church Pay Reparations'.
Maeve O'Rourke (2023) Trinity College Dublin Historical Society Debate: 'This House Would Make the Catholic Church Pay Reparations'. Invited Lectures [Details]
(2024) Human Rights and the Care of Older People: Dignity, Vulnerability, and the Anti-Torture Norm.
Maeve O'Rourke (2024) Human Rights and the Care of Older People: Dignity, Vulnerability, and the Anti-Torture Norm. UCD School of Social Policy, Social Work and Social Justice Invited Lectures [Details]
(2023) Human rights and the care of older people.
Maeve O'Rourke (2023) Human rights and the care of older people. Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA), Diversity and Inclusion guest speaker series Invited Lectures [Details]
(2023) Ireland¿s Church/State abuses and the question of transitional justice.
Maeve O'Rourke (2023) Ireland¿s Church/State abuses and the question of transitional justice. University of Cambridge Centre for Geopolitics, Island of Ireland lecture series Invited Lectures [Details]
(2021) Irish Mother and Baby Homes, the Clann Project, and the importance of preservation of records and ensuring access to origins.
Maeve O'Rourke (2021) Irish Mother and Baby Homes, the Clann Project, and the importance of preservation of records and ensuring access to origins. Child Identity Protection event: Child's right to identity in alternative care Invited Lectures [Details]
(2021) The Constitutional and human rights of people in residential care during the Covid 19 pandemic: a call to action.
Maeve O'Rourke (2021) The Constitutional and human rights of people in residential care during the Covid 19 pandemic: a call to action. Royal College of Physicians of Ireland, Masterclass on Health in Vulnerable Populations Invited Lectures [Details]
(2021) Responding to past abuses: obstacles and opportunities for restorative justice.
Maeve O'Rourke (2021) Responding to past abuses: obstacles and opportunities for restorative justice. Council of Europe Invited Lectures [Details]
(2021) Mother and Baby Homes, Magdalene Laundries and survivors¿ call for an all-Ireland human rights-based response.
Maeve O'Rourke (2021) Mother and Baby Homes, Magdalene Laundries and survivors¿ call for an all-Ireland human rights-based response. University College Dublin Newman Centre Public Lecture Series Invited Lectures [Details]
(2020) Eclipsed: Post-show discussion.
Maeve O'Rourke (2020) Eclipsed: Post-show discussion. DLR Mill Theatre Invited Lectures [Details]
(2019) Human rights and the Justice For Magdalenes campaign.
Maeve O'Rourke (2019) Human rights and the Justice For Magdalenes campaign. Cork Institute of Technology: CIT Investigates lecture series Invited Lectures [Details]
(2016) Protecting older people's human rights.
Maeve O'Rourke (2016) Protecting older people's human rights. Patrick MacGill Summer School Invited Lectures [Details]
(2015) Why Apologise Today for 'Historic' Abuse?.
Maeve O'Rourke (2015) Why Apologise Today for 'Historic' Abuse?. Dublin: TEDx University College Dublin Invited Lectures [Details]
(2011) Abuse by Church and State: The Hidden Story of Ireland¿s Magdalene Laundries.
Maeve O'Rourke and James M Smith (2011) Abuse by Church and State: The Hidden Story of Ireland¿s Magdalene Laundries. Harvard Law School (Human Rights Program, HLS Advocates for Human Rights) Invited Lectures [Details]

Invited Seminars

  Year Publication
(2024) Ireland's 20th century institutional and family separation abuses.
Maeve O'Rourke (2024) Ireland's 20th century institutional and family separation abuses. Stanford Law School, Transitional Justice module (Prof Jamie O'Connell) Invited Seminars [Details]
(2021) Ireland's Institutions and Transitional Justice.
Maeve O'Rourke (2021) Ireland's Institutions and Transitional Justice. Stanford Law School, Transitional Justice module (Prof Jamie O'Connell) Invited Seminars [Details]
(2021) Ireland's Mother and Baby Homes Commission of Investigation: issues of records and archives management.
Maeve O'Rourke (2021) Ireland's Mother and Baby Homes Commission of Investigation: issues of records and archives management. University College London MA in Archives and Records Management (Dr Anna Sexton) Invited Seminars [Details]
(2019) Vulnerability and human rights in legal practice.
Maeve O'Rourke (2019) Vulnerability and human rights in legal practice. Maynooth University, Jean Monnet Summer School: Vulnerability and Human Rights in the European Union Invited Seminars [Details]
(2015) Pro bono lawyering and the Justice for Magdalenes campaign.
Maeve O'Rourke (2015) Pro bono lawyering and the Justice for Magdalenes campaign. University of Cambridge Pro Bono Project Colloquium Series Invited Seminars [Details]
(2015) Ireland's Magdalene Laundries and the campaign for a State apology and reparation.
Maeve O'Rourke (2015) Ireland's Magdalene Laundries and the campaign for a State apology and reparation. Durham Law School, Gender and Law at Durham Seminar Series Invited Seminars [Details]

Newspaper Articles

  Year Publication
(2024) Ireland could and should join South Africa's genocide case against Israel.
Maeve O'Rourke (2024) Ireland could and should join South Africa's genocide case against Israel. The Irish Times Newspaper Articles [Details]
(2024) Justice for Magdalenes group will be voting no in the care referendum. Here¿s why.
Katherine O'Donnell, Maeve O'Rourke and Claire McGettrick (2024) Justice for Magdalenes group will be voting no in the care referendum. Here¿s why. Irish Examiner Newspaper Articles [Details]
(2021) Mother and baby homes inquiry's lack of transparency was damaging.
Maeve O'Rourke and Claire McGettrick (2021) Mother and baby homes inquiry's lack of transparency was damaging. The Irish Times Newspaper Articles [Details]
(2020) Government has to follow through on mother and baby homes pledges.
Maeve O'Rourke (2020) Government has to follow through on mother and baby homes pledges. Business Post Newspaper Articles [Details]
(2020) Here's a full analysis of the problems with the Government's Mother and Baby Homes Bill.
Maeve O'Rourke (2020) Here's a full analysis of the problems with the Government's Mother and Baby Homes Bill. Thejournal.ie Newspaper Articles [Details]
(2020) Not too late for State to break the secrecy around Mother and Baby Homes.
Maeve O'Rourke (2020) Not too late for State to break the secrecy around Mother and Baby Homes. Irish Examiner Newspaper Articles [Details]
(2018) State must allow institutionalised people access to personal files.
Maeve O'Rourke (2018) State must allow institutionalised people access to personal files. Dublin: Irish Times Newspaper Articles [ARAN Link] [Details]
(2015) Taoiseach must honour promise to Magdalene survivors.
Maeve O'Rourke (2015) Taoiseach must honour promise to Magdalene survivors. Irish Independent Newspaper Articles [Details]
(2014) It's time we learnt the truth about Magdalene Laundries.
Maeve O'Rourke (2014) It's time we learnt the truth about Magdalene Laundries. Irish Independent Newspaper Articles [Details]
(2014) Magdalene survivors are still waiting for restorative justice.
Maeve O'Rourke and James M Smith (2014) Magdalene survivors are still waiting for restorative justice. The Irish Times Newspaper Articles [Details]
(2013) Laundries apology is now needed.
Maeve O'Rourke (2013) Laundries apology is now needed. Irish Examiner Newspaper Articles [Details]
(2013) . Take this chance, Taoiseach - apologise to each and every one.
Maeve O'Rourke (2013) . Take this chance, Taoiseach - apologise to each and every one. Irish Independent Newspaper Articles [Details]

Online Database

  Year Publication
(2020) Open Heart City Dublin.
Katherine O'Donnell, Maeve O'Rourke, Kelly Ledoux, Claire McGettrick and others (2020) Open Heart City Dublin. Online Database [Details]
(2017) Justice For Magdalenes Archive.
Claire McGettrick, Katherine O'Donnell, Maeve O'Rourke, James M Smith, Mari Steed (2017) Justice For Magdalenes Archive. South East Technological University Online Database [Details]
(2016) Clann: Ireland's Unmarried Mothers and their Children: Gathering the Data.
Claire McGettrick and Maeve O'Rourke (2016) Clann: Ireland's Unmarried Mothers and their Children: Gathering the Data. Online Database [Details]
(2014) Justice For Magdalenes Research.
Claire McGettrick, Katherine O'Donnell, Maeve O'Rourke, James M Smith, Mari Steed (2014) Justice For Magdalenes Research. Online Database [Details]

Blog

  Year Publication
(2024) Human Rights and the Care of Older People: Dignity, Vulnerability, and the Anti-Torture Norm.
Maeve O'Rourke (2024) Human Rights and the Care of Older People: Dignity, Vulnerability, and the Anti-Torture Norm. Irish Centre for Human Rights Blog [Details]
(2024) A Right to Care and the Care Referendum on 8 March.
Maeve O'Rourke (2024) A Right to Care and the Care Referendum on 8 March. medium.com Blog [Details]
(2023) Last Night at The Hist: 'This House Would Make the Catholic Church Pay Reparations'.
Maeve O'Rourke (2023) Last Night at The Hist: 'This House Would Make the Catholic Church Pay Reparations'. Medium.com Blog [Details]
(2022) The silencing of those subjected to forced family separation.
Maeve O'Rourke (2022) The silencing of those subjected to forced family separation. medium.com Blog [Details]
(2022) Birth Information and Tracing Bill 2022: An Analysis.
Maeve O'Rourke (2022) Birth Information and Tracing Bill 2022: An Analysis. medium.com Blog [Details]
(2021) Dáil Motion to #ExtendtheCommission.
Maeve O'Rourke (2021) Dáil Motion to #ExtendtheCommission. medium.com Blog [Details]
(2021) Children's Rights and Alternative Care: Council of Europe's Contribution to the UNCRC Day of General Discussion 2021.
Maeve O'Rouke (2021) Children's Rights and Alternative Care: Council of Europe's Contribution to the UNCRC Day of General Discussion 2021. medium.com Blog [Details]
(2020) Redress for 'historical' child abuse in care: what can Scotland learn from Ireland?.
Maeve O'Rourke (2020) Redress for 'historical' child abuse in care: what can Scotland learn from Ireland?. UK Human Rights Blog Blog [Details]
(2019) 10 ways institutional abuse details are still being kept secret.
Maeve O'Rourke (2019) 10 ways institutional abuse details are still being kept secret. Dublin: RTE Blog [ARAN Link] [Details]
(2013) Proposed Changes to Judicial Review in the UK.
Maeve O'Rourke (2013) Proposed Changes to Judicial Review in the UK. Human Rights in Ireland Blog [Details]
(2012) Ireland and UNCAT one year on: Magdalene survivors still denied their right to an apology and redress.
Maeve O'Rourke (2012) Ireland and UNCAT one year on: Magdalene survivors still denied their right to an apology and redress. Human Rights in Ireland Blog [Details]
(2011) Lack of redress for the Magdalene Laundries Abuse ¿ A Continuing Violation of UNCAT.
Maeve O'Rourke (2011) Lack of redress for the Magdalene Laundries Abuse ¿ A Continuing Violation of UNCAT. Human Rights in Ireland Blog [Details]
(2010) Redress for Survivors of the Magdalene Laundries and Bethany Home.
Maeve O'Rourke (2010) Redress for Survivors of the Magdalene Laundries and Bethany Home. Human Rights in Ireland Blog [Details]
(2010) Slavery, Forced Labour and the Magdalene Laundries.
Maeve O'Rourke (2010) Slavery, Forced Labour and the Magdalene Laundries. Human Rights in Ireland Blog [Details]

Radio Presentation

  Year Publication
(2024) Mother and Baby Home redress scheme fails to secure deal with holy orders.
Maeve O'Rourke (2024) Mother and Baby Home redress scheme fails to secure deal with holy orders. Radio Presentation [Details]
(2024) Mother and Baby Homes payments set to begin.
Maeve O'Rourke (2024) Mother and Baby Homes payments set to begin. RTE Radio One: Today with Claire Byrne Radio Presentation [Details]
(2024) South Africa's genocide case against Israel: How will the ICJ decide?.
Maeve O'Rourke (2024) South Africa's genocide case against Israel: How will the ICJ decide?. RTE Radio One: Today with Claire Byrne Radio Presentation [Details]
(2024) Referendum: Care Amendment.
Maeve O'Rourke (2024) Referendum: Care Amendment. RTE Radio One, This Week Radio Presentation [Details]
(2023) Mother & Baby Homes Redress Scheme: An insult to survivors?.
Maeve O'Rourke (2023) Mother & Baby Homes Redress Scheme: An insult to survivors?. The Irish Times Women's Podcast Radio Presentation [Details]
(2023) A Dublin Magdalene Laundry: Donnybrook and Church-State Power in Ireland.
Mark Coen and Maeve O'Rourke (2023) A Dublin Magdalene Laundry: Donnybrook and Church-State Power in Ireland. RTE Radio One: Today with Claire Byrne Radio Presentation [Details]
(2023) Podcast: Catch up with Louise McSharry: Episode 47.
Maeve O'Rourke (2023) Podcast: Catch up with Louise McSharry: Episode 47. Catch up with Louise McSharry (podcast) Radio Presentation [Details]
(2022) Redacted Lives: Episodes No 4 and No 6.
Maeve O'Rourke (2022) Redacted Lives: Episodes No 4 and No 6. thejournal.ie Radio Presentation [Details]
(2022) Assume Nothing: The Last Request (podcast: contribution).
Maeve O'Rourke (2022) Assume Nothing: The Last Request (podcast: contribution). BBC Radio Ulster Radio Presentation [Details]
(2022) A major new work explores how the State has treated survivors of institutional abuse.
Maeve O'Rourke (2022) A major new work explores how the State has treated survivors of institutional abuse. Newstalk Radio: The Pat Kenny Show Radio Presentation [Details]
(2021) RTE Radio 1, Morning Ireland, 'Survivors appeal for Garda specialised investigations'.
Maeve O'Rourke (2021) RTE Radio 1, Morning Ireland, 'Survivors appeal for Garda specialised investigations'. Radio Presentation [Details]
(2021) GSK publishes documents on vaccine trials.
Maeve O'Rourke (2021) GSK publishes documents on vaccine trials. RTE Radio One, News at One Radio Presentation [Details]
(2021) Appeal for details of crimes at mother-and-baby homes.
Maeve O'Rourke (2021) Appeal for details of crimes at mother-and-baby homes. RTE Radio One: Drivetime Radio Presentation [Details]
(2021) Appeal for details of crimes at mother-and-baby homes.
Maeve O'Rourke (2021) Appeal for details of crimes at mother-and-baby homes. RTE Radio One: Drivetime Radio Presentation [Details]
(2021) Episode 40: Truth-seeking with Maeve O¿Rourke and Mary Harney.
Maeve O'Rourke (2021) Episode 40: Truth-seeking with Maeve O¿Rourke and Mary Harney. Asymmetrical Haircuts: An International Justice Podcast Radio Presentation [Details]
(2021) Many questions remain over mother-and-baby home testimonies.
Maeve O'Rourke (2021) Many questions remain over mother-and-baby home testimonies. RTE Radio One: Morning Ireland Radio Presentation [Details]
(2021) Ireland and the Magdalene Laundries: A Campaign for Justice.
Katherine O'Donnell and Maeve O'Rourke (2021) Ireland and the Magdalene Laundries: A Campaign for Justice. RTE Radio One: Today with Claire Byrne Radio Presentation [Details]
(2020) Mother and Baby Home records sealed.
Maeve O'Rourke (2020) Mother and Baby Home records sealed. RTE Radio One: The Late Debate Radio Presentation [Details]
(2020) In Depth: What exactly happened with the mother and baby home legislation?.
Maeve O'Rourke, Sinead O'Carroll, Orla Ryan and Simon McGarr (2020) In Depth: What exactly happened with the mother and baby home legislation?. TheJournal.ie Radio Presentation [Details]
(2020) Sealing the Records: Maeve O'Rourke & Mary Harney.
Mary Harney, Roisin Ingle and Maeve O'Rourke (2020) Sealing the Records: Maeve O'Rourke & Mary Harney. The Irish Times Women's Podcast Radio Presentation [Details]
(2020) Today with Claire Byrne: Mother and Baby Homes.
Maeve O'Rourke (2020) Today with Claire Byrne: Mother and Baby Homes. RTE Radio 1 Radio Presentation [Details]
(2020) Justice for Magdalenes: Reflections on Power.
Claire McGettrick, Clare Moriarty, Katherine O'Donnell and Maeve O'Rourke (2020) Justice for Magdalenes: Reflections on Power. The Hublic Sphere, Trinity College Dublin Radio Presentation [Details]
(2020) RTE Radio 1, Morning Ireland, Commission of Investigation into Mother and Baby Homes is due to be published soon.
Maeve O’Rourke (2020) RTE Radio 1, Morning Ireland, Commission of Investigation into Mother and Baby Homes is due to be published soon. RTE Radio 1 Radio Presentation [Details]
(2020) Commission of Investigation (Mother and Baby Homes).
Maeve O'Rourke, Mary Seery Kearney, Pauline O'Reilly, Kathleen Funchion and Barry Ward (2020) Commission of Investigation (Mother and Baby Homes). The Irish Legislation Podcast Radio Presentation [Details]
(2020) #Stand4Truth with Dr Maeve O'Rourke.
Maeve O'Rourke, Tony Groves and Linda Hayden (2020) #Stand4Truth with Dr Maeve O'Rourke. Echo Chamber Podcast Radio Presentation [Details]
(2020) Drivetime: Mother and Baby Home Records.
Maeve O'Rourke (2020) Drivetime: Mother and Baby Home Records. RTE Radio 1 Radio Presentation [Details]
(2019) Marian Finucane, Newspaper Panel contributor.
Maeve O'Rourke (2019) Marian Finucane, Newspaper Panel contributor. RTE Radio One: Marian Finucane Show Radio Presentation [Details]
(2019) Ep. 131 #HumanRights.
Maeve O'Rourke, Tony Groves and Martin McMahon (2019) Ep. 131 #HumanRights. The Echo Chamber Podcast Radio Presentation [Details]
(2019) Publication of the Fifth Interim Report of the Commission of Investigation into Mother and Baby Homes.
Maeve O'Rourke (2019) Publication of the Fifth Interim Report of the Commission of Investigation into Mother and Baby Homes. Dublin: RTE Radio Presentation [Details]
(2019) Why does the State have so many secrets on its citizens?.
Ella McSweeney, Maeve O'Rourke, Maeve McDonagh and Maria O'Brien (2019) Why does the State have so many secrets on its citizens?. RTE Brainstorm Radio Presentation [Details]
(2019) The case of Majella Moynihan.
Maeve O'Rourke (2019) The case of Majella Moynihan. Dublin: RTE Radio Presentation [Details]
(2018) Report says Government has undermined the State apology to the survivors of Magdalene Laundries.
Maeve O'Rourke (2018) Report says Government has undermined the State apology to the survivors of Magdalene Laundries. RTE Radio One: Morning Ireland Radio Presentation [Details]
(2018) RTE Radio News at One: 'Ireland's adoption services described as opaque and obstructive'.
Maeve O'Rourke, Michael A Hawkes (2018) RTE Radio News at One: 'Ireland's adoption services described as opaque and obstructive'. Radio Presentation [Details]
(2018) The Papal Visit.
Conall Ó Fátharta, Maeve O'Rourke and Kathy Sheridan (2018) The Papal Visit. The Irish Times Women's Podcast Radio Presentation [Details]
(2018) SIPO decision on Amnesty donation 'procedurally flawed'.
Maeve O'Rourke (2018) SIPO decision on Amnesty donation 'procedurally flawed'. RTE Radio One: Morning Ireland Radio Presentation [Details]
(2018) Magdalene Report.
Maeve O'Rourke (2018) Magdalene Report. RTE Radio One: The Late Debate Radio Presentation [Details]
(2013) Magdalene Laundries.
Maeve O'Rourke (2013) Magdalene Laundries. RTE Radio One: John Murray Show Radio Presentation [Details]
(2013) Taoiseach expected to apologise to Magdalene survivors.
Maeve O'Rourke (2013) Taoiseach expected to apologise to Magdalene survivors. RTE Radio One: Morning Ireland Radio Presentation [Details]
(2011) Committee to look at Magdalene laundries.
Maeve O'Rourke (2011) Committee to look at Magdalene laundries. RTE Radio One: Morning Ireland Radio Presentation [Details]

Video recording / TV

  Year Publication
(2024) Bishop Casey's Buried Secrets: interview and research contribution to documentary programme.
Maeve O'Rourke (2024) Bishop Casey's Buried Secrets: interview and research contribution to documentary programme. RTE Television (Dir. Birthe Tonseth) Video recording / TV [Details]
(2022) Ireland's Dirty Laundry: interview and research contribution to documentary programme.
Maeve O'Rourke (2022) Ireland's Dirty Laundry: interview and research contribution to documentary programme. RTE Television (Dir. Nuala Cunningham) Video recording / TV [Details]
(2021) Comhrá le Marian: St Patrick's Festival.
Maeve O'Rourke and Marian Richardson (2021) Comhrá le Marian: St Patrick's Festival. Video recording / TV [Details]
(2021) Prime Time, 'What next after mother-and-baby homes report?' (live interview and research contribution).
Maeve O'Rourke (2021) Prime Time, 'What next after mother-and-baby homes report?' (live interview and research contribution). RTE Television: Prime Time Video recording / TV [Details]
(2021) The Missing Children: interview and research contribution to documentary programme.
Maeve O'Rourke (2021) The Missing Children: interview and research contribution to documentary programme. ITV (Dir. Tanya Stephan) Video recording / TV [Details]
(2021) The Forgotten Children: interview and research contribution to documentary programme.
Maeve O'Rourke (2021) The Forgotten Children: interview and research contribution to documentary programme. RTE Television: Prime Time Video recording / TV [Details]
(2021) Who am I? The story of Ireland's illegal adoptions: interview and research contribution to documentary programme.
Maeve O'Rourke (2021) Who am I? The story of Ireland's illegal adoptions: interview and research contribution to documentary programme. RTE Investigates Video recording / TV [Details]
(2020) Calls for transparency over Mother and Baby home files.
Maeve O'Rourke (2020) Calls for transparency over Mother and Baby home files. RTE Six One and RTE Nine News Video recording / TV [Details]
(2020) Redress: Breaking the Silence (interview and research contribution to documentary programme).
Maeve O'Rourke (2020) Redress: Breaking the Silence (interview and research contribution to documentary programme). RTE Television (Dir. Mick Peelo) Video recording / TV [Details]
(2020) Post-Show Discussion: Eclipsed.
Maeve O'Rourke, Kate Canning and Shona Ashmore (2020) Post-Show Discussion: Eclipsed. DLR Mill Theatre Video recording / TV [Details]
(2019) 10 ways institutional abuse details are still being kept secret.
Maeve O'Rourke (2019) 10 ways institutional abuse details are still being kept secret. RTE Brainstorm Video recording / TV [Details]
(2017) The former Magdalene Laundry in Donnybrook: interview and research contribution to documentary programme.
Maeve O'Rourke (2017) The former Magdalene Laundry in Donnybrook: interview and research contribution to documentary programme. RTE Television: Prime Time Video recording / TV [Details]
(2016) Lost in Care: interview and research contribution to documentary programme.
Maeve O'Rourke (2016) Lost in Care: interview and research contribution to documentary programme. RTE Television: Prime Time Video recording / TV [Details]
(2013) Magdalene Report: live interview.
Maeve O'Rourke (2013) Magdalene Report: live interview. RTE Television: Prime Time Video recording / TV [Details]
(2012) The Magdalenes: interview and research contribution to documentary programme.
Maeve O'Rourke (2012) The Magdalenes: interview and research contribution to documentary programme. RTE Television: Prime Time (Dir. Tanya Sillem) Video recording / TV [Details]

Web Page

  Year Publication
(2024) Human Rights Law Clinic, Irish Centre for Human Rights.
Maeve O'Rourke (2024) Human Rights Law Clinic, Irish Centre for Human Rights. Web Page [Details]

Honours and Awards

  Year Title Awarding Body
2022 Special Merit Award Irish Law Awards
2021 Justicia Award: International Academia Women in Law
2019 Top 10 Innovative Lawyer Financial Times
2018 PILnet Award for Local Pro Bono Impact PILnet
2015 Honorary Life Membership University College Dublin Law Society
2015 PhD Studentship University of Birmingham
2015 Inaugural Emerging Leader Award Ireland/US Alumni Association
2014 Travelling Studentship Prize National University of Ireland
2014 Inaugural Alumni Achievement Award in Law University College Dublin
2014 Doctoral Studentship Arts & Humanities Research Council, UK
2013 'Forgotten Irish' Award Ireland Fund of Great Britain
2013 Pro Bono Lawyer of the Year Family Law Awards, UK
2013 Jim Kemmy 'Thirst for Justice' Award Irish Labour Party
2012 Arthur C Helton Fellowship American Society of International Law
2012 Global Shaper World Economic Forum
2011 Lord Mansfield Scholarship Lincoln's Inn
2010 Global Human Rights Fellowship Harvard Law School
2009 Travelling Scholar John F Kennedy Fund
2006 Stage 2 Law Scholar University College Dublin
2005 Entrance Scholar University College Dublin

Professional Associations

  Association Function From / To
Bar of England and Wales Barrister /
Royal Irish Academy of Music Associate /

Education

  Year Institution Qualification Subject
2009 University College Dublin School of Law Bachelor of Laws Law
2010 Harvard Law School Masters Law
2018 Birmingham Law School, University of Birmingham PhD Law
2012 BPP Law School, London Barrister at Law Law

Teaching Interests

  • Human Rights Theories and Concepts
  • Feminist Legal Theory
  • Regional and International Human Rights Law Systems
  • Human Rights Practice, Movement Lawyering & Clinical Legal Education
  • Transitional Justice & Gender-Sensitive and Transformative Reparation
  • Climate Justice and Human Rights 

Modules Taught

  Term/Year Module Title Module Code Subject / Desc
2019/20 - 2021/22 Human Rights Law Clinic LW5110
2020/21 International Protection of Human Rights II LW3128
2020/21 - 2021/22 European Convention on Human Rights LW5120
2019/20 - 2022/23 Human Rights Theories, Concepts and Contemporary Issues LW3123