Who are Travellers and Roma?
Travellers are an ethnic minority group in Ireland. Travellers are identified (both by themselves and others) as people with a shared history, culture and traditions including historically, a nomadic way of life on the island of Ireland.
Irish Travellers were recognised as a distinct ethnicity in 2017. Membership of the Traveller Ground is a protected ground under equality law.
Roma are an ethnic minority group in the European Union. Although Roma share a common lineage and have a rich cultural and musical heritage, particular groups established roots in various countries and regions, and their migrations to many different countries over the centuries have produced numerous distinct communities.
What are the human rights and equality issues for Travellers and Roma?
Travellers and Roma experience racism and discrimination in Ireland. This discrimination affects their employment, health, housing, participation, access to services, and access to justice. They have poorer outcomes than other people in Ireland.
Are there laws concerning Travellers and Roma?
A few of the key laws about Travellers and Roma in Ireland, the European Union, and internationally are:
The Equal Status Acts and the Employment Equality Acts protect against discrimination on the basis of ethnicity and membership of the Traveller community.
The United Nations Convention on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination sets out actions to end racial discrimination.
The Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities sets out measures to protect national minorities.
The Standards of the European Commission against Racism and Intolerance provide recommendations on actions to address racism
What is IHREC doing for Travellers and Roma?
We have focused on Travellers and Roma in many areas of our work, including:
Member of the Steering Committee for the National Traveller and Roma Inclusion Strategy.
Undertook an analysis of the provision of Traveller accommodation in Ireland through our Equality Review process by inviting local authorities to prepare and implement Equality Action Plans
Provided legal advice and assistance to Travellers and Roma.
Calling for the jurisdiction for discrimination cases against licensed premises to be returned to the Workplace Relations Commission by repealing section 19 of the Intoxicating Liquor Act 2003.
Called for a review of the Habitual Residence Condition to understand the impact on Roma.