Human rights call for Gypsy Travellers

Sam McCartney

By Kate Ramsden and John Stevenson

STUC delegates heard of the harassment and prejudice experienced on a daily basis by Scottish Gypsy Travellers and pledged to support the work of the Scottish Gypsy Traveller and Law Reform Coalition who are looking to set up an advocacy and advice service for the community in Scotland.

Seconding the motion from South Lanarkshire and East Kilbride TUC, UNISON's Sam McCartney said, "Gypsy Travellers are very proud of their heritage, culture and background and, like all ethnic groups, they should be helped and empowered to continue with their chosen lifestyles free from persecution and discrimination".

"These citizens of the world", continued Sam, "have lived in Scotland for many years but changes to legislation and council policies and intolerance have made their existence more difficult".

Traditional sites have been removed and official sites often ignore cultural and family links and other traditions.

In 2001 the Scottish Parliament Equal Opportunities Committee called for Gypsy Travellers to be recognised as a distinct ethnic minority group and made 37 recommendations on how they should be treated by police and other official bodies.

"But sadly, eight years on, little has changed", said Sam.

He called for a Human Rights and Equality Bill specifically for Scottish Gypsy Travellers based on existing legislation in Ireland.

top | STUC Index