Kerry Travellers Health & Community Development Project work from the human rights framework, diversity and social inclusion principles, and is particularly committed to equality, as laid out in Equal Status Acts 2000 – 2018.
It is a sad fact that majority of Traveller community members are still often discriminated against, while they go about their daily lives. This could include being followed around shops, being refused access to services, goods, accommodation, or facing lower expectations in education, or being profiled while they drive their vehicles.
As membership of the Traveller community is one of the 9 grounds protected by Equal Status Acts, we encourage any member of the community who encounters discrimination to challenge this with our support. Being treated less favourably than others based on Traveller community grounds and/or any other grounds protected by this legislation, can be challenged by taking a case to Workplace Relations Commission (WRC). A discrimination case against licensed premises needs to be challenged at District Court under Intoxicating Liquor Act 2003. We can support and guide a case through WRC process, and in some cases, it can be possible to obtain legal consultation and even representation from the national level.
In near future, we will be establishing Equality Committee of Traveller representatives and relevant stakeholders who will start working towards systemic change to address discrimination from local service providers in Kerry. If you or your organisation want to play part, please contact us.
Links
https://www.ihrec.ie/your-rights/#discrimination
https://communitylawandmediation.ie/get-help/
Equal Status – Workplace Relations Commission
flac_submission_the_joint_committee_on_key_issues_affecting_the_traveller_community_0324.pdf
