‘Racism in Irish society’ requires attention, human rights commissioner says

By Cillian Sherlock, PA

Ireland needs to do more to combat racism and discrimination against Travellers, Roma people and migrants, a human rights commissioner has said.

Michael O’Flaherty, the Council of Europe’s Commissioner for Human Rights, visited Ireland last week and said: “The persistent racism and discrimination against Travellers and Roma in Irish society require sustained attention across government.”

While welcoming certain policy developments, he stressed the need for the developments to be adopted into practice.

Mr O’Flaherty visited several halting sites in Dublin and Limerick, some of which were without access to electricity or adequate sanitation facilities and plumbing.

“I have great admiration for the resilience in Traveller communities and women’s engagement in bringing about positive change,” he said.

“These efforts led by the community should be supported and empowered.”

The Commissioner also heard from members of the Traveller community and researchers about Travellers’ negative experiences of the justice system, including over-policing and ethnic profiling.

He said more attention should be paid to addressing the causes that lead to overrepresentation of Travellers in prisons, including policing practices and the criminalisation of trespassing.

“Concerted efforts are required to ensure that Travellers can have the same trust in the gardaí as the majority population.”

He also said that high numbers of suicides in society, including among children, should be treated as a “crisis”.

In addition, Mr O’Flaherty said the Government should develop measures to address health inequalities in Traveller communities.

The Commissioner also highlighted “disproportionate application of reduced timetables” for Traveller and Roma children in schools, which he said excluded them from substantial parts of the curriculum and “thwarts access to equal opportunities throughout life”.

For international protection applicants, Mr O’Flaherty expressed alarm that single men seeking asylum in Ireland are not offered accommodation and often end up sleeping rough.

“I highly appreciate the continued welcome extended by Ireland to Ukrainian beneficiaries of temporary protection and people fleeing conflict or persecution elsewhere, and the efforts made to address the long-standing shortages in accommodation.

“However, there are over 2,800 men currently exposed not only to adverse weather conditions but also growing hostility against them.

“I note that the Government recognises the extent of this challenge and strongly encourage it to resolve the situation before the onset of winter.”

Mr O’Flaherty said increased border security measures should be conducted “in full compliance” with international human rights and refugee protection obligations.