€350,000 support for 25 projects supporting intercultural relations and the implementation of the public-sector equality and human rights duty
The Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission (“the Commission”) has today announced the 25 organisations awarded a total of €350,000 in funding for projects under its Human Rights and Equality Grants Scheme 2018. The grant awards include support for research, education and training on human rights and equality, activities for promoting the integration of migrants and other minorities, equality including gender equality, and respect for diversity and cultural difference. The Commission welcomed over 100 applications for the awards from across the country. Now in its third year, the Human Rights and Equality Grants Scheme 2018 was open to Irish based groups working to further human rights and equality in communities and nationally, including local groups, civil society groups, and public bodies. The Human Rights and Equality Grants Scheme is part of the Commission’s statutory power to provide grants to promote human rights and equality under the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission Act 2014. In awarding the 2018 grants the Commission focused on two overarching themes, in line with its strategic focus:
- Intercultural understanding and diversity – activities which promote awareness and understanding of interculturalism and support effective, positive intercultural relations.
- Supporting implementation of the Public Sector Equality and Human Rights Duty – activities which support implementation of the Public Sector Duty. The legal obligation all public bodies have to eliminate discrimination, promote equality of opportunity and protect human rights. This obligation is set out within Section 42 of the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission Act 2014.
Emily Logan, Chief Commissioner of the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission stated today:
“The Human Rights and Equality Grant Scheme 2018 sees the Commission using its statutory role as Ireland’s national human rights and equality body to support nationwide activities to promote human rights and equality. “The grant scheme empowers a broad range of human rights and equality initiatives taking place across the country. Nearly all of the awarded projects are already underway, directly supporting communities to become stronger in practical ways.”
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