Project
Together we have co-authored an authoritative analysis of Travellers' experiences with and in the criminal justice system, making evidence-based recommendations about the tools available within the criminal justice system to protect Traveller rights. Among the key barriers to accessing justice is institutional racism towards Travellers found to be prevalent in the criminal justice system. Funded by the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission and the Irish Research Council under the prestigious COALESCE programme, this project documents and explains the relationship between Travellers in Ireland and the Irish criminal justice institutions.
The idea behind the research is to document for the first time Travellers’ perceptions and experiences of the criminal justice process in Ireland – particularly with the judiciary and An Garda Síochána. Described as a “landmark study in both its conduct and findings” with a methodology “grounded in human rights principles of participation” by the Chief Commissioner of the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission, the 146-page report was launched at the University of Limerick on 23rd June 2022. Numerous Traveller and Roma organisations both nationally and internationally reported and featured our research including the European Roma Rights Centre.
This project is overseen by an Advisory board comprised of Traveller representatives, including: Pavee Point, Mincéirs Whiden, the National Traveller Women’s Forum, the Traveller Mediation Service, the Irish Traveller Movement, the Traveller Counselling service, and a representative of AGS. The principal investigators to the project are: Professor Amanda Haynes and Professor Jennifer Schweppe worked alongside Traveller researchers Dr Sindy Joyce, Olive O’Reilly, Margaret O’Brien and David Joyce.
Just two weeks after the launch of the report, on July 4th and 5th of July, Professors Haynes and Schweppe and Dr Joyce travelled to Geneva and presented findings of the report to the United Nations Human Rights Committee as part of its review of Ireland’s compliance with the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. The presentation was based on the ITAJ submission to the Committee which highlighted key human rights concerns associated with practices of criminal justice professionals with respect to Travellers in relation to seven key areas: Ethnic Profiling; COVID-19 and Policing; Search of the Home; Hate Crime; Accessing Justice in the Courtroom; and Overt Racism.
Research
This report examines the experience of Travellers with and in the Irish criminal justice system. The report utilises a mixed methodology, including a survey, interviews and focus groups. During the course of this project, the project team researchers have spoken with one in every 100 Travellers in Ireland from 25 of the 26 counties. the project aim was to document and understand the relationship between Travellers in Ireland and criminal justice institutions. The principal investigators to the project, Professor Amanda Haynes and Professor Jennifer Schweppe worked alongside
One of the key barriers to Traveller access to justice is institutional racism towards Travellers. This project carries out in-depth interviews with key informants to understand the nature of this occurence - how it happens, and what can be done to prevent it happening.
The project is subject to annual review by the Irish Research Council and the Equality Commission.
Findings are shared with relevant Government policy makers and Traveller project partners for feedback and review.