The Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission (NIHRC) has today published the first major report into Travellers’ accommodation in almost a decade.

The Commission has identified 13 systematic concerns and made 45 recommendations.

Chief Commissioner Les Allamby said: “Travellers face the unpalatable choice of living in poor conditions to retain their culture or moving into standard social housing at the expense of their way of life.

“We have found examples of inadequate facilities such as washing units not fit for purpose in the Northern Ireland climate, fire and other health and safety issues that need to be remedied. The Commission is concerned that legislation, policy and a lack of service provision amounts to an attitude of ‘out of sight out of mind.

“The report is directed at key Northern Ireland government departments who have a responsibility to provide a decent standard of living for everyone in Northern Ireland. It also makes recommendations to the Northern Ireland Housing Executive in order to improve the management of Travellers’ accommodation and local Councils to prevent unnecessary delays in dealing with planning applications.

“The Commission has found an erosion of nomadic life through the policies and practices that have been developed and applied to Travellers and Travellers’ accommodation. This needs to change.”

The report states existing laws largely satisfy human rights requirements, but the Unauthorised Encampments (NI) Order 2005 has a disproportionate impact on Travellers and their nomadic culture.

Mr Allamby (pictured) added: “Over the next 12 months we will implement an extensive follow up plan with the key public authorities alongside Travellers and Traveller support organisations to push forward the changes that are now required to improve the situation and protect human rights.”