FW: The Integration Centre Welcomes Racial Discrimination Ruling

 

        

Press Release 19/07/11

The Integration Centre Welcomes Racial Discrimination Ruling

An exploited South African lady has been awarded €41,486 in damages due to the treatment she received from her employer.

Killian Forde, CEO of The Integration Centre said "racial discrimination is a major issue in Ireland; one which because of its often hidden nature goes unnoticed and unaddressed."

"There have been no guidelines set out by the gardai on what is a racially motivated crime, and therefore can be no data collected on how extensive racial abuse is in this country".

"The exploitation of domestic workers has recently come to the fore as an issue in Ireland due to the work of a number of civil society organisations; however the government has still not shown any will to implement the relevant UN Convention. This Convention would ensure that minimal safeguards are put in place to protect the basic human rights of migrant workers."

"To be asked to work 70 hours per week, for far below the minimum wage is an abuse, and one that cannot be allowed to continue."

"The common myth of immigrants abusing the system prevails in Irish society. However the fact of the matter is that immigrants in Ireland have suffered far greater job losses during the recession, they are often exploited in the workplace and do not have the same access to services that Irish people enjoy."

"Without broaching the uncomfortable discussion of the racism which has a firm hold of this society it will remain a strong undercurrent which harms Irish trade, education systems and society in general."

"This ruling is a positive step in the right direction. It acknowledges a problem which needs to be addressed within our society and sends a warning to other employers who feel entitled to exploit immigrant workers."

                     

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Contact: Helena Clarke on 01 645 3092 / 087-6325138; 1st and 2nd Floors, 18 Dame Street Dublin 2, helena.clarke@integrationcentre.ie, www.integrationcentre.ie 

Notes

The United Nations International Convention on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of Their Families is an international agreement governing the protection of migrant workers and families.

The Integration Centre is committed to the integration and inclusion of people from immigrant backgrounds in Ireland. The Centre specialises in planning, monitoring and advocacy at city, local, national and international levels, and it also provides regionalized information, advice and training services. Evidence-based research influences positive change in legislation, policy and practice. We have more than 250 affiliated organisations as part of our network.