IRISH TRAVELLERS - UNWELCOME IN THEIR OWN LAND
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Dates2012 - Ongoing
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Author
- Topics Daily Life, Social Issues, Documentary
“Our community has been defined for centuries as failed settled people. The result is a normalization of racism towards Irish Travellers at both institutional and societal levels.” – Martin Collins, Director Pavee Point Human Rights and Irish Traveller Advocacy.
Previously traveling in horse drawn carriages, Irish Travellers are commercial nomads engaged in metalworking, horse-trading and construction. Legal changes governing access to public lands and the establishment of halting sites, semi-permanent locations with services, has had far reaching ramifications on their traditions. With a distinct identity, language and customs, officially recognised by the European Union and only recently recognized by the Irish government in 2017 after decades of campaigning, Irish Travellers have been documented as part of Irish society for centuries. With a life expectancy 15 years lower than the general population*, both Travellers living in houses and those still living in caravans remain the most marginalized, economically disadvantaged and discriminated against community in contemporary Irish society.
*All Ireland Traveller Health Study 2010