The Council of Europe’s Commissioner for Human Rights, Michael O’Flaherty, has raised concerns about Ireland’s need to combat racism and discrimination, and to address prejudice against Travellers, Roma and migrants.
“The persistent racism and discrimination against Travellers and Roma in Irish society require sustained attention across government”, says Commissioner O’Flaherty.
His comments come following his official visit to Ireland last week.
Although O’Flaherty acknowledges that progress has been made, he warns that new policies still need to be put into practice.
“I commend the adoption of important strategies and action plans to combat racism, improve the inclusion of Travellers and Roma, and address shortcomings in their access to education and health.
Communities are now looking forward to the prompt implementation of these policies at all levels through effectively functioning structures and secure funding.”
The Commissioner visited several halting sites, accommodation for Travellers provided by local authorities, in Dublin and Limerick. Some sites were found to be “without access to electricity, adequate sanitation facilities or plumbing.”
After speaking to people at those sites, he says that members of the Traveller community clearly fear the justice system, as well as what they see as heavy-handed policing and ethnic profiling.
“Concerted efforts are required to ensure that Travellers can have the same trust in the Gardaí as the majority population”, the Commissioner says.
Schooling was another area of concern.
“Priority attention is needed to improve these children’s access to education”, said the Commissioner.
During his visit to Ireland the Human Rights Commissioner also investigated conditions for refugees and asylum seekers.
His office says that he was “alarmed by the fact that single men seeking asylum in Ireland are not offered accommodation and often end up sleeping rough.”
“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.”
A former lawyer, Michael O’Flaherty, took up the post at the Council of Europe’s Human Rights Commissioner in April this year. The influential post allows him a wide brief to speak up for minority communities.
A record of his findings will be lodged at the Council of Europe and his concerns raised directly with the Irish government.
The Council of Europe is an international organisation based in Strasbourg and founded in 1949. Ireland is one of ten founding members.