Today (March 21st) is the United Nations’ (UN) International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination and the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission (IHREC) (designate) reaffirms its commitment to eliminating racism and all forms of racial discrimination.
The IHREC designate will merge the functions of the Equality Authority and the Irish Human Rights Commission in a Bill to be published shortly. ‘Three weeks ago, I launched a project by Equality Authority, Pavee Point Traveller and Roma Centre and Nasc and the Irish Immigrant Support Centre – an exhibition to challenge stereotypes of Roma people living inIreland. ‘Roma: One People – Many Lives’ is a unique photographic exhibition giving a visual insight into the lives of Roma people participating in Irish society. With our partners, we have made this available and it is already on tour having been displayed at the ICTU Biennial Women’s Conference in Wexford last week’, said Acting Chair Dr Mary Murphy.
“We are also pleased to support the publication of ‘Let’s Root Out Racism’ developed by the Public Service Executive Union (PSEU) for staff as to the steps they might take if they encounter racist remarks/behaviour in the work place. The leaflet addresses not only racism directed towards colleagues, but racist attitudes or remarks about customers of the Departments.
The leaflet was developed with the assistance and input of the Immigrant Council of Ireland and the support and advice of the Equality Authority” continued Dr Murphy.
“It is a combination of small innovative projects like these, good legislation to prevent racial discrimination and a vigilance in monitoring attitudes in the workplace and in wider society, that builds the inclusive society” she added.
“The leadership role played by the United Nations in creating such International days is a crucial reminder for us all as to our own obligations to include people, regardless of their race, language or ethnic origin, if we are to maximise the contribution of all to build a fair society. I note that IHREC’s new functions will include a responsibility for promoting intercultural understanding in Ireland and to promote good practice in intercultural relations, while promoting tolerance and diversity in the State” she concluded.