Gypsy, Roma and Traveller people’s experiences to be highlighted at the United Nations

On 13 and 14 February, Friends, Families and Travellers (FFT) along with Roma Support Group (RSG) will be travelling to Geneva, Switzerland, to submit evidence in-person to the UN Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (CESCR), on the rights and experiences of Romany, Traveller and Roma communities in the United Kingdom.

FFT will be represented by Policy and Research Officer Victoria Gilmore and Ivy Manning, Romani woman and Project Coordinator/ Engagement Officer, alongside RSG’s Policy and Campaigns Coordinator, Mihai Călin Bica.

"It's great to be able to highlight the experiences of Romani, Traveller and Roma people in the UK, at the world's stage,” said Ivy Manning.

“We hope this will bring additional pressure on the UK Government to address the dire site conditions, the unrelenting racism and the structural barriers that community members face day in day out."

Attendees are expected to highlight the lack of government action towards improving the lived experiences of community members; the state of disrepair plaguing sites up and down the country; and the difficulties experienced by EU Roma people in the UK.

Previously, a joint written submission drew attention to the urgent rights violations that continue to affect Romany, Roma and Traveller communities.  

The wider review session at the CESCR will take place on 13 Feb and 14 Feb from 9am-12pm (GMT) and can be watched on the UN website here.

FFT press release/TT News

(Photograph by Eszter Halasi for FFT)