Economic Inequality a Barrier to Realising Fundamental Rights
The Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission (‘the Commission’) has today called on the State to urgently update equality law, during the life of this Government, to make it illegal to discriminate against a person based on their socio-economic status.
In a policy paper published today; ‘Policy Statement on Socio-Economic Status as a ground of discrimination under the Equality Acts’, the Commission asks that the State
“amend Irish equality law to prohibit discrimination on the basis of socio-economic status.”
While Ireland is already obliged under various international treaties to provide protection against discrimination on grounds related to socio-economic status, we are calling for an update to our laws to make it a stand-alone ground, and to ensure greater protection.
Socio-economic discrimination can occur in many forms, and real-life examples often see this compounded by other forms of discrimination, such as racism, sexism and ableism. Introducing this ground would recognise that those with a disadvantaged socio-economic status often face discrimination, which can result in exclusion from both services and employment, exacerbating income and wealth inequalities.
A lack of economic equality affects all marginalised groups and prevents the realisation of many fundamental rights, which Ireland is obliged to protect.
The Commission believes that amending our equality law to include socio-economic status as a ground of discrimination is crucial for social cohesion, social inclusion and improving the quality of life for those experiencing, or at risk of poverty. The introduction of this ground would not only strengthen the effectiveness of the Equality Acts, but would also constitute a crucial, if much delayed, shift in the equality landscape in Ireland.
Commission Director Deirdre Malone said:
“There are many people in Ireland who experience discrimination due to their address, accent, employment status or income. These, and other marginalised groups, must be protected under our equality laws. With less than a year left in the lifetime of this Government, we cannot miss this opportunity to take action.
“Unlike other grounds of discrimination, poverty is often seen as a sort of ‘moral failure’, rather than a structural disadvantage. As we face housing and cost-of-living crises, and other challenges, the State has a vital opportunity to ensure that Ireland’s future is built on a firm foundation of commitment to human rights and equality.”
Corresponding recommendations include:
- Applying an asymmetric approach (limiting the ground to only those who are disadvantaged because of their socio-economic status) when defining the new socio-economic status ground.
- Including indicators in the definition of the ground and that further research, including consultation with minority groups, is carried out by the State to determine the most effective indicators.
- Removing the provision ‘other than on a temporary basis’ from the definition of socio-economic disadvantage in the Equality (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2021.
- Removing the provision ‘socially or geographically identifiable group’ from the definition of socio-economic disadvantage in the Equality (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2021.
Ends/
For further information, please contact:
Sarah Clarkin, IHREC Communications Manager,
01 8592641 / 087 4687760
sarah.clarkin@ihrec.ie
Editors Notes:
Read Policy Statement on Socio-Economic Status as a ground of discrimination under the Equality Acts
There are currently nine grounds of discrimination in Ireland: Age, Civil Status, Disability, Family Status, Gender, Membership of the Traveller Community, Race, Religion, and Sexual Orientation. Additionally, the Housing Assistance ground applies in relation to the provision of accommodation.
Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission
The Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission is an independent public body, appointed by the President and directly accountable to the Oireachtas. The Commission has a statutory remit set out under the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission Act (2014) to protect and promote human rights and equality in Ireland, and build a culture of respect for human rights, equality and intercultural understanding in the State.
The Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission is Ireland’s national human rights institution and is recognised as such by the United Nations. The Commission is also Ireland’s national equality body for the purpose of a range of EU anti-discrimination measures.