April 2020 - Pavee Point

Traveller Community Health Workers During COVID-19

Traveller Community Health Workers act as liaison between the Traveller community and health service providers. During COVID-19 their work is vital in mitigating the impact of the virus. “It’s important to build up trust with the Traveller families you work with,” says Nancy Collins, “That way when it comes to a crisis like this one, […]

Poetry Day Ireland

On Poetry Day (30 April) we are reproducing a poem ‘The Lane’ by Traveller poet Helen Hutchinson. Photo: Helen Hutchinson reading her poetry at the Lived Lives exhibition, Pavee Point 2015. Photo by Derek Speirs.

Dear Ireland – COVID19 Postcard from Rosaleen McDonagh

Playwright Rosaleen McDonagh is among 100 writers asked to participate in The Abbey Theatre – Dear Ireland – theatrical postcards during COVID19. These are rapid response monologues written and recorded in self-isolation and are The Abbey Theatre’s way of supporting theatre during this crisis while also capturing this moment in our history. Rosaleen’s piece will […]

COVID19 – Human Rights Assessment Needed

Pavee Point today joined with other human rights organisations to highlight the need for a human rights response during COVID19. This arises out of our concerns for communities and people who have been particularly affected both by the virus itself and/or by the new emergency regulations. A rights-based response requires an approach that prioritises protecting […]

Complaint lodged against Channel 4 in relation to Dispatches Programme

Pavee Point Traveller and Roma Centre today lodged an official complaint with OFCOM, the UK Broadcast regulator in relation to Channel 4’s Dispatches programme which was broadcast on 16th of April. Our complaint outlines the reasons why this programme is irresponsible, discriminatory against Travellers and promotes negative stereotypes that feed into hate speech and possibly […]

Physical Distancing at Funerals

We appreciate how difficult funerals are for families and communities at this time but here we see some good examples of maintaining social distance during a Traveller funeral in Dublin today. We all need to work harder at staying safe and we are working closely with the HSE, Traveller communities and organisations and An Garda Síochána to support people […]

Funerals during COVID-19

Statement Released: 17th April, 2020 Traveller organisations around the country are calling on Travellers to fully adhere to COVID-19 public health measures, including restrictions on funerals. In this way people can show the deceased the respect and dignity they deserve. Both the Government and the Catholic Church have stated that only immediate family members – up […]

Solidarity on International Traveller & Roma Day 2020

As we go through this Covid19/Coronavirus crisis, thank you for your show of solidarity with Travellers and Roma on Wednesday 8th of April – International Traveller & Roma Day. This crisis presents extra challenges for many Travellers and Roma who live in already vulnerable situations in cities and in rural settings around the country. Overcrowding […]