In a new report released this morning (Thursday, 24 May 2007), the Council of Europe’s anti-racism watchdog calls for reform of anti-discrimination law, and strongly criticises Ireland’s track record in implementing international human right standards.

The 30-page report, by the European Commission Against Racism and Intolerance (ECRI), recommends that the Equal Status Acts be extended “to include governmental actions such as national policy strategies, policies and decisions on the allocation of funding in relation to areas such as health, education and housing”.

The report also lists half a dozen international anti-discrimination treaties that Ireland has failed to ratify since ECRI last reported on Ireland five years ago.

Speaking shortly after the release of the ECRI report at the Council of Europe’s Paris office, ICCL Director Mark Kelly said:

“This independent human rights monitoring report highlights that Ireland’s Equal Status Acts do not provide protection against discrimination by national and local authorities in key areas such as health, education and housing. Indeed, only yesterday, High Court judge Ms Justice Laffoy found that a family of severely disabled young Travellers could not use the Equal Status Acts to hold South Dublin County Council to account for the “appalling” and “unacceptable” conditions in which they live.  Implementing ECRI’s recommendation for legal reform should be a high priority for the incoming Government.” 

The ECRI report also “strongly recommends” that the new Government take account of the views of non-governmental organisations on forthcoming Immigration, Residence and Protection Bill and stresses the need for an integration strategy for Black and ethnic minorities, refugees, asylum seekers and migrant workers.

Commenting on these aspects of the report, Mr Kelly said:

“The Irish Council for Civil Liberties welcomes ECRI’s recommendation that the new Government must listen actively to the immigration-related concerns of non-governmental organisations like the ICCL.  However, listening will not be enough.  As the report highlights, the next Government must take positive action to fully implement international human rights standards, and to pursue a meaningful integration strategy for immigrants, refugees and asylum seekers”.

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