“Recognising Travellers as a minority ethnic group would be a major step for Traveller children,” said Kathleen McDonnell, Pavee Point who is attending the examination of Ireland’s report before the UN Committee on the Rights of the Child in Geneva today (14th Jan).
“Every child has the right to have their culture respected and valued. This is not happening in Ireland at the moment.”
In 2006, the UN Committee on the Rights of the Child noted with concern that: ‘…adequate recognition, action and positive measures have not yet been taken to enhance the enjoyment of the rights of children belonging to the Traveller community and in particular to facilitate their access to education, housing and health services.’
Unfortunately it would appear that in the intervening ten years the Irish State has continued to relegate Traveller and Roma children’s rights.
The economic crisis in 2008 prompted a dramatic disinvestment by the Irish State in the Traveller community in general – with a devastating impact on Traveller and Roma children.
- Traveller specific education supports were cut by 86.6%
- Traveller accommodation was cut by 85%
The All Ireland Traveller Health Study (AITHS 2010) found that significant numbers of families in group housing or sites reported lack of footpaths, public lighting, fire hydrants and safe play areas.
Pavee Point will also be raising the recent tragedy in Carrickmines and the Irish States failure to provide safe, appropriate housing and accommodation for Traveller families placing many children in vulnerable and insecure situations.
Follow this examination on Twitter with #UNCRC. The examination will be broadcast live online at www.treatybodywebcast.org. Read our submission and update on the Rights of the Child. Main Photograph by Derek Speirs.
