Commission Legally Assists Refugee in Resolution of Discrimination and Harassment Claims.

The Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission (the ‘Commission’) has provided legal assistance to a refugee (Ms C) involved in discrimination and harassment claims under the Equal Status Acts 2000-2018. Ms C alleged that an airline discriminated against her on the ground of race when she was denied boarding to a flight and sought a resolution of the situation through legal means. With assistance from the Commission, Ms C settled her claims on terms satisfactory to both parties. Sinéad Gibney, Chief Commissioner of the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission stated:

“The Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission has been delighted to provide Ms C with legal assistance to challenge the reasons for the decision to deny her boarding to a flight. Ms C was motivated by a desire to improve not only her own situation, but that of refugees in Ireland generally.”

ENDS/ For further information, please contact: Sarah Clarkin, IHREC Communications Manager, 01 852 9641 / 087 468 7760 sarah.clarkin@ihrec.ie Follow us on twitter @_IHREC

Editor’s Note

As part of the agreed settlements in these cases, the Commission cannot comment any further one them.

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.