Gypsy Roma Traveller Leeds
The permanent site of the Gypsy Roma Traveller Communities
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Storytelling Resource
A DVD, Wall Poster, Storyteller & Artist Portraits all wrapped in an attractive package.
This Learning Resource can be used effectively across the Curriculum – Literacy, Drama, Art, Music, History, PSHE and Citizenship and across all Key Stages 1 – 4 and for In Service Training (INSET).
Strategy on Gypsies and Travellers
Equality and Human Rights Commission
(Formerly the Campaign for Racial Equality)
The following is a press release issued by the Equality and Human Rights Commission when they were Commission for Racial Equality (CRE) from Friday 2 April, 2004.
It was issued to support the release of its report "Gypsies and Travellers: A strategy for the CRE, 2004 - 2007".
The Last 'Respectable' form of Racism
CRE says discrimination against Gypsies and Travellers is the last 'respectable' form of racism.
The Commission for Racial Equality today launched its strategy on Gypsies and Travellers following two months of consultation with Gypsies and Travellers, community and public organisations and local authorities. Sarah Spencer, CRE Deputy Chair said:
"Discrimination against Gypsies and Travellers appears to be the last 'respectable' form of racism. It is still considered acceptable to put up 'No Traveller' signs in pubs and shops and to make blatantly prejudiced remarks about Gypsies and Travellers.
"Gypsies and Travellers face discrimination across all indices including education, health and accommodation - only 20 % of pupils registered are in regular attendance at key stage three; and life expectancy is 10 years shorter for men and 12 years less for women than for the general population."
Site Provision - Top Priority
The CRE's top priority is to secure better site provision - with this issue being identified by many Gypsies and Travellers as the most significant problem facing them in Britain today. There are not enough sites and those that exist are often in polluted environments - far from public services. An estimated 3000 - 4500 extra pitches on public sites will be needed in the next three years.
"We are committed to working with Government and to seeking legislative change so that councils address the accommodation needs of Gypsies and Travellers alongside those of the settled community. We also want to see a fairer planning system - since at present the majority of planning applications from Gypsies and Travellers are rejected at the first stage."
Key points in strategy:
CRE wants to work with Government and key agencies to improve the education, employment, and health of Gypsies and Travellers, as well as their treatment by police and the courts
CRE will use its legal powers to challenge discrimination against Gypsies and Travellers - in areas that impact most on these groups and where successful cases will make the most difference
CRE wants work for better ethnic monitoring at local and national level - and seeks to get a census category included for Gypsies and Travellers
Encourage fair reporting on Gypsies and Travellers in the media
Sarah Spencer added: "The way a country treats its ethnic minority communities is a measure of its civilisation. As a Briton, I am ashamed of the way we treat Gypsies and Travellers. Things need to change and they need to change now."
The CRE intends to be part of that process, and to play a leading role. We shall use our legal powers and our influence to ensure real, measurable improvements for Gypsies and Travellers in Britain.
"Of course, we will need help from others - government organisations, public authorities, businesses, community organisations and, above all, Gypsies and Travellers, and we look forward to working with them."
Also see
Organisations
Organisations and bodies working for and with Gypsy, Roma and Traveller people.
General Links
Art, entertainment and more.
Also read about
The Death of Johnny Delaney
Johnny, a fifteen year old Irish Traveller, was tragically killed in a racist attack in Ellesmere Port in 2003. His death was very similar to that of Stephen Lawrence and the Cheshire Police investigated the his death as a racially motivated crime.
Connors vs the UK
Judgement from the European Court of Human Rights on Travellers. Leeds Travellers, Jim and Esther Connors, in standing up for their rights have won a major case at the European Court of Human Rights, which will benefit all Travellers in the UK.
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