UN High Commissioner’s staff visit Travellers

Representatives of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights visited the Meath Travellers Workshop last week, as well as a number of of Traveller accommodation sites in Navan. Lidia Rabinovich and Allegra Frianchetti were in Ireland to study the Irish government's efforts and challenges to alleviate poverty, both domestically and internationally. During the visit, they collected first-hand information about the living conditions of people experiencing the worst forms of poverty in Ireland and examined how the government is addressing their situation, in particular through the provision of social protection. The group visited Traveller accommodation around the country and Navan initiatives were used as examples of good practice. The areas she visited was one of the successful Traveller group housing schemes and the award-winning St Patrick's Park halting site, which owes its success to the partnership approach by Meath County Council and local Travellers. A Traveller focus group met with the UN group in Navan Travellers Workshops' Ltd, now known as Meath Travellers Workshops. The representatives had the opportunity to talk to a number of Travellers who work in the community. They covered topics such as accommodation, education, health, employment, youth work, community development, identity and social status. Michael McDonagh said: “We are delighted to be asked to take part in this study as it highlights that our organisation is recognised as a credible and vibrant advocate of Traveller rights locally, nationally and also at an international level.â€