Speaker: Thank you Chair. Pavee Point [inaudible] and Roma center. We are a national
organization promoting the rights of travelers and Roma. There are about 40,000 Irish
travelers in Ireland. Just less than 1% of the population, and an estimate of 5000 Roma. As
a minority ethnic group, we continue to experience racism, discrimination and
marginalization in our country. We are honored to participate in this forum, marking the 30
years of UN declaration of minority. However, our work as minority rights defenders remains
crucial as we continue to face significant challenges in the implementation of travelers and
Roma policies and responses. Since March 2022, Ukrainian Roma families has been
seeking refuge in Ireland and we have highlighted emerging concerns. On work with key
agencies involved with the response. We commend the state for their commitment to
ensuring the rights and safety of those fleeing conflict in Ukraine. However, it is vital that
Ukrainian Roma refugees receive an equal and fair treatment of protection under the
Temporary Protection Directive of the EU and other international obligations. Through our
work, we know a number of cases where Ukrainian Roma families have been refused
Temporary Protection upon arrival. A common trait throughout it was the concern about
discriminatory attitudes and differential treatment. With direct supportive, some of those
refusals were successful [inaudible] temporary protection was granted. The most recent
case requests legal intervention from the High Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission.