Sinéad Gibney

The projects encompass a range of issues including social exclusion and socioeconomic discrimination; racism and discrimination experienced, in particular, by ethnic and minority communities; and empowering people with disabilities to advocate for their rights.

Now in its sixth year, the 2021 grant programme awards small grants of up to €6,000 and general grants of up to €20,000 to support civil society organisations, rights-holder and community led groups, and trade unions in Ireland to promote access to justice for people who face the greatest barriers to accessing their rights.

There were a total of 147 applications to the grant scheme from across the country.

The list of successful organisations, published on the Commission’s website, includes legal rights group FLAC, the Irish Penal Reform Trust (IPRT) and the Irish Council for Civil Liberties (ICCL).

Chief commissioner Sinéad Gibney said: “The human rights and equality grant scheme is part of the Commission’s initiative to support and empower communities and organisations to tackle important rights-based issues, with those who are most affected.

“People and communities who face discrimination and inequality across the country are embedded in the design and delivery of these 28 projects, ensuring that their voices are heard through innovative education, training, research and policy initiatives.

“We look forward to seeing the outcomes of empowering those who face the greatest barriers to justice to understand and claim their rights, through these projects, with the shared aim of creating a much more inclusive society for all.”