Press Releases
............PRESS RELEASE.....10th October 2002............
This weekend, 40 Council of Europe delegates from 44 different countries arrive in Dublin for a special meeting on Travellers, Roma and Gypsies.
Council of Europe delegates will also embark on a fact-finding mission in relation to Irish Travellers. The treatment of Irish Travellers as a Human Rights concern is currently a focus of the Council of Europe.
The discrimination and racism experienced by Irish Travellers will be the overarching context of the visit.
Its manifestation in the lack of provision of Traveller accommodation will be a key issue among the delegates as will be the effects of recent legislation which makes camping on private or public property a criminal offence.
The poor health status of Travellers will also be discussed, especially in terms of the gap in life expectancy among Travellers and members of the majority population. According to the latest figures (1987), Traveller men live 10 years less than settled men and Traveller women live 12 years less than settled women.
Its manifestation in the lack of provision of Traveller accommodation will be a key issue among the delegates as will be the effects of recent legislation which makes camping on private or public property a criminal offence.
Enabling Travellers to experience the full benefits of education is also on the agenda
The Council of Europe recognises that the many millions of Europe's nomads often experience discriminationand racism. In Eastern Europe, where Roma make up the largest ethnic minority of 3.5 million, the Council of Europe advise local governments on issues related to minority rights.
Established in 1949, the Council of Europe has worked strenuously on the legislative recognition of Human Rights. In 1959 it established the European Court of Human Rights.
ENDS.
