The Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights, Michael O'Flaherty, has reported severe issues faced by Traveller and Roma communities in Ireland, including unsafe housing and bureaucratic challenges. Following a visit in 2022, he observed harsh living conditions at halting sites, which were overcrowded and lacked basic amenities. Despite a 2019 recommendation for legal reform, the Irish government declined to address laws that criminalize Travellers for land usage. O'Flaherty urges the repeal of these laws to allow Travellers to maintain their nomadic lifestyle without fear of eviction and imprisonment.
The Commissioner notes that the above-mentioned policies and the continued lack of provision of culturally appropriate accommodation prevents many Travellers from practicing nomadism.
Mr. O'Flaherty witnessed "very basic and overcrowded conditions" and a "desolate environment" where there was illegal dumping, sanitary issues and concerns about emergency access.
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