Equality Commission not working

BY ÁINE Ní BHRIAIN

Equality and Human Rights continue to be the cornerstones of Sinn Féin policy and of republican ideology as a whole. Towards that end, delegates spoke on a wide range of related issues, including the lack of provision for children with special needs — particularly those in rural or deprived areas, the rights of women, racism, and the rights of asylum seekers.

One delegate received a huge ovation with an impassioned oration denouncing racism in all its forms. "Racism is completely contrary to our republican ethos," Dublin's Daithí Doolan pointed out. "Racism is anti-republican. It is about injustice and inequity, and I call on every member of Sinn Féin to actively oppose racial prejudice and intolerance in all its forms and in the strongest possible terms."

Dara O'Hagan from Lurgan spoke about the lack of movement on equality issues. "The current Equality Commission has not taken a single case under fair employment legislation since its inception," she reported. "And Sinn Féin feels it is a severe conflict of interest that a commission which oversees the Office o the First Minister and deputy First Minister (OFM/DFM) is also funded by the OFM/DFM."

The Ard Fheis called on both governments to address social and economic discrimination in the Six Counties and demanded the establishment of either an Equality Department or a new Department of Justice, Equality and Human Rights.

Almost six years after the GFA was promulgated, Sinn Féin finds it completely unacceptable that there is still no Bill of Rights or strong anti-sectarian legislation. Neither have the full gamut of rights enshrined within the GFA been protected or enforced in any meaningful way.

The party also remains fully committed to recognising and supporting the role of women and called for the equality-proofing of all legislation and budgets.

Delegates lashed both governments for their treatment of asylum seekers and called for an end to the criminalisation of immigrants and refugees.

The Ard Fheis endorsed calls for a full rights-based Disability Bill for the 26 Counties and supported the campaign by the Irish Deaf Society to have Irish Sign Language officially recognised.

"Unionists and the British Government are stalling every single human rights provision of the GFA," said Caitríona Ruane. "The establishment cannot be allowed to exclude people it doesn't like, for whatever reason.

"Sinn Féin is the largest pro-Agreement party on this island. We will not stand for any form of discrimination."