The Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights, Michael O’Flaherty, encourages further steps in Ireland in the field of combating racism and discrimination and addressing prejudice against Travellers, Roma and migrants. He welcomes the progress made in policy development, stressing the need to translate newly adopted policies into practice. The Commissioner conducted a visit to Ireland from 7 to 11 October, during which he focused on the human rights of Travellers and Roma and on issues related to refugees, asylum seekers and migrants.
“The persistent racism and discrimination against Travellers and Roma in Irish society require sustained attention across government”, said the Commissioner. “I commend the adoption of important strategies and action plans to combat racism, improve the inclusion of Travellers and Roma, and address shortcomings in their access to education and health. Communities are now looking forward to the prompt implementation of these policies at all levels through effectively functioning structures and secure funding.”
The Commissioner visited several halting sites in Dublin and Limerick, some without access to electricity, adequate sanitation facilities or plumbing. He discussed with residents about their daily struggles with these living conditions and their lasting impact on health and well-being. “I have great admiration for the resilience in Traveller communities and women’s engagement in bringing about positive change. These efforts led by the community should be supported and empowered.”
The Commissioner also heard from members of the Traveller community and researchers about Travellers’ negative experiences of the justice system, including overpolicing and ethnic profiling. “I welcome government and prison service efforts to improve community support for minority prisoners. However, more attention should be paid to addressing the causes that lead to the overrepresentation of Travellers in prisons, including policing practices and the criminalisation of trespassing. Concerted efforts are required to ensure that Travellers can have the same trust in the Gardaí as the majority population”, said the Commissioner.
On 8 October, the Commissioner participated in a ceremony in Limerick dedicated to the memory of Travellers who have died of suicide. “The high numbers of suicide among Travellers, including children, should be treated as the crisis that it is. The government should continue to support and further develop both mainstream and special measures to address the significant health inequalities affecting Travellers, including as regards mental health”.
Regarding education, the Commissioner was struck by the disproportionate application of reduced timetables for Traveller and Roma children in schools, excluding them from substantial parts of the curriculum. “The right to education is fundamental. Significantly reducing time spent in school thwarts access to equal opportunities throughout life. Priority attention is needed to improve these children’s access to education”, said the Commissioner.
The Commissioner’s observations on the human rights situation of Travellers and Roma in Ireland are forthcoming.
As regards the situation of international protection applicants, the Commissioner was alarmed by the fact that single men seeking asylum in Ireland are not offered accommodation and often end up sleeping rough. “I highly appreciate the continued welcome extended by Ireland to Ukrainian beneficiaries of temporary protection and people fleeing conflict or persecution elsewhere, and the efforts made to address the long-standing shortages in accommodation. However, there are over 2800 men currently exposed not only to adverse weather conditions but also growing hostility against them. I note that the government recognises the extent of this challenge and urge it to resolve the situation before the onset of winter.”
The Commissioner also discussed issues related to the recent introduction of increased border security measures in Ireland and encouraged the authorities to ensure that they are conducted in full compliance with their international human rights and refugee protection obligations.
During the visit, the Commissioner met with the Minister of Justice Helen McEntee TD, the Minister of State with responsibility for Community Development, Charities, and Integration of the Department for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth Joe O’Brien, the Chair, Senator Eileen Flynn, and members of the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Key Issues affecting the Traveller Community, and the Chief Executive of Limerick City and County Council Dr Pat Daly. He also visited the Mountjoy Female Prison (Dóchas Centre) in Dublin and met with Prison Governor Lorraine McCarthy. The Commissioner exchanged views with the Ombudsman for Children Niall Muldoon and the Director, Deidre Malone, and Commissioners of the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission. Throughout this visit, the Commissioner met with Traveller and Roma representatives and activists, Traveller women groups, young Travellers and Roma, as well as refugee and migrant rights organisations.