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Government & Equality

• Travellers' culture, identity and way of life must be acknowledged and protected.
• The recognition that all types of discrimination - direct, indirect and institutional - are against the law.
• The Law must clearly state that it applies to everyone.
• Arguments based on financial disadvantage that would result in the continuation of a discriminatory situation must not be allowed.
• Anyone who takes a case under the proposed law must be protected against victimisation.
• The benefits of affirmative action should be named in and supported by the law.
• Monitoring must be undertaken to evaluate both the appropriateness and and effectiveness of the law.
• Existing and new legislation should be proofed to ensure it does not prevent the promotion of equality and takes into consideration its impact on Travellers.
• Access to adequate free legal aid is essential to enable people to pursue their rights through the legal system.
• An Equality Commission should be set up, which would have the necessary legal powers and resources to protect and promote equal rights. Travellers and Traveller organisations must be represented on the Board of the Commission.
• The Commission should employ Equality Officers who would have the power to investigate cases and make recommendations to deal with the issues raised.
• The brief of the Equality Commission should also involve providing information and assistance to Travellers and Traveller organisations on relevant international standards and instruments. It should also provide educational services on good equality practice and help organisations to draw up codes of Practice and Equal Status policies.
• An Equality Court should be established to provide an alternative for individuals who are unable to resolve their situations through Equality Officers. The existence of such a court should not negate anyone's right to use the judicial system, but should provide a more accessible way to address incidents of discrimination.